Niger commissioner for information freed — after four days in captivity

Sani Idris, commissioner for information in Niger state, has regained his freedom from captivity.

Idris was kidnapped on August 9 by gunmen, who invaded his home in Tafa LGA of Niger state.

Mary Noel-Berje, chief press secretary to the governor, had confirmed the abduction in a statement on Monday.

“The Commissioner was said to have been kidnaped by bandits at about one o’clock in the early hours of today from his home at Baban Tunga village in Tafa local government of the State,” she said.

“Security agencies are, however, already on the trail of the bandits to apprehend them.”

Noel-Berje confirmed to TheCable, on Thursday, that the commissioner had regained his freedom.

As of the time of this report, details were sketchy on how the commissioner was rescued, and it was also not clear if ransom was paid for his release.

Idris has, however, been reunited with his family.

There have been a wave of attacks targeted at schools and residential areas across Niger state in recent times.

The attacks have led to abductions, while hundreds of residents have been displaced from their communities.

Among other kidnapping incidents that have occurred in Niger over the past months, in May, more than 100 Islamiyya pupils were abducted in Tegina area of the state.

The pupils are still in captivity.