A local hunters’ group in Yobe State has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, without the payment of any ransom, following a coordinated and decisive operation involving key security and traditional authorities.
Alhaji Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village in the Ngelzarma Emirate, Fune Local Government Area, was abducted from his home at about 2:00 a.m. on November 29, 2025.
Sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that this was the fifth time the herder had been kidnapped, a likely consequence of his status as a wealthy pastoralist.
The abduction was initially reported to the Damagum Police Division. The kidnappers subsequently demanded a ransom of ₦50 million.
As police were preparing to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma consulted with the Commissioner of Police. They agreed to engage a specialized hunters’ group with proven expertise in rescue operations.
The hunters took over negotiations, successfully reducing the ransom demand to ₦7 million while simultaneously intensifying efforts to trace the kidnappers.
The trail led the hunters and security elements to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued Alhaji Babawuro without paying any ransom.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised. Another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries. Two other members of the gang were successfully arrested and have reportedly confessed to the crime.
The rescued herder was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and has since reunited with his family. The suspects and exhibits are expected to be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution, with efforts ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers.
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