Barrister Mohammed Ahmed Wawa, a commissioner with the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), has regained his freedom after spending about 11 months in captivity.

Mr Wawa, who is from Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, was released by his abductors around 7 a.m. on Wednesday after spending more than 300 days in captivity.

A family source, who confirmed his release, said the commissioner was handed over to his family along the Funtua axis, around the border between Katsina and Zamfara states.

The source said the bandits released him after the payment of an undisclosed additional ransom.

Mr Wawa, while recounting his experience, said he endured harsh conditions during his captivity, including going for more than 300 days without taking a bath.

He said his captors gave him only one meal a day, usually corn flour and Miyan Kuka, a traditional northern soup.

“The source of drinking water was the same as that of cows. We stayed in the midst of cattle, drinking the same water.

“Throughout my stay in captivity for over 300 days, I did not take a bath. So, when they handed me over to my family yesterday, the first thing I did was to take a one-hour bath. The experience was traumatising,” he said.

The commissioner was abducted in September 2025 along the New Bussa–Ibbi Road while returning from his hometown ahead of the conduct of the local government elections in Niger State.

According to the family, a ransom of ₦40 million was initially paid to secure his release, but the kidnappers kept him in captivity for several more months.

A family member said Mr Wawa appeared physically weak after his release and needed urgent medical attention.

“Merely looking at the barrister, you will know that he has gone through a lot. He needs a comprehensive medical check-up,” the source said.

The family thanked individuals and groups who supported them during the period of his captivity and expressed gratitude to God for his safe return.

Background

Kidnapping remains a major security challenge in Niger State, particularly along remote roads and communities bordering neighbouring states.

Several parts of the state have witnessed abductions of motorists, farmers, traditional rulers and other residents by armed groups.

The New Bussa–Ibbi Road, where Mr Wawa was abducted, connects communities in Niger State with other parts of the country and has been affected by insecurity.

His release after nearly a year in captivity underscores the prolonged ordeal faced by victims of kidnapping and their families, while also renewing concerns over security along major highways in the state.