A commissioner with the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Mohammed Wawa, has regained his freedom after spending about 11 months in the custody of bandits.
Wawa, who hails from Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, was reportedly released on Wednesday night in the Funtua axis, around the boundary between Katsina and Zamfara states.
A family source said the kidnappers released the electoral commissioner after an additional ransom was paid.
Wawa was abducted in September 2025 along the New Bussa–Ibbi road while returning from his hometown ahead of the Niger State local government elections.
Recounting his ordeal after his release, the commissioner described his experience in captivity as traumatic. He reportedly spent more than 300 days without taking a bath and was provided with only one meal a day, mainly corn flour and Miyan Kuka.
He also disclosed that the captives obtained drinking water from the same source used by cattle.
According to the family, ₦40 million had initially been paid as ransom, but the kidnappers refused to release him until another payment was made nearly a year after his abduction.
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The family said Wawa appeared physically weakened after his prolonged captivity and appealed for a comprehensive medical examination to assess his condition.
The family expressed appreciation to individuals and groups who supported them throughout the ordeal while also praying for the safe release of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.
Wawa’s release comes amid persistent security concerns along the New Bussa–Ibbi corridor and other parts of Niger State, where travellers and rural communities continue to face threats from armed groups.
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