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BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE — The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kebbi State Chapter, has pledged intensified intelligence sharing and closer cooperation with security agencies following the safe release of Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, who was abducted along Zogirma Road.

ALGON also commended Governor Nasir Idris for what it described as his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, saying the judge’s return after eight days in captivity was a major relief to his family, the judiciary and residents of the state.

The association made its position known in a congratulatory message issued by its Kebbi State Chairman, Hon. Dahiru Ambrusa, on behalf of the 21 local government areas in the state.

Justice Bunza was reportedly abducted on Sunday, July 26, 2026, along Zogirma Road before regaining his freedom eight days later.

ALGON attributed the successful outcome to the efforts of the state government and security agencies, while expressing gratitude for the judge’s safe return.

“We thank God Almighty for sparing the life of Justice Bunza and for bringing him back to his family, the judiciary, and the people of Kebbi State. We also appreciate the security agencies working tirelessly under your leadership,” the association said.

While celebrating the development, however, ALGON warned that the safe release of one victim should not overshadow the plight of other Nigerians who may still be held by kidnappers.

The association called for sustained security operations to rescue other abducted persons and dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnapping and banditry across Kebbi State and beyond.

ALGON emphasised the strategic importance of local governments in the state’s security architecture, noting that councils are closest to the communities where security threats emerge and therefore remain critical sources of grassroots intelligence.

The association also pointed to Kebbi’s extensive borders as a factor requiring enhanced security coordination. The state shares domestic boundaries with Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger states, while also sharing international boundaries with the Republics of Niger and Benin.

According to ALGON, the geographical configuration makes sustained inter-state and cross-border cooperation essential to preventing criminals from exploiting border communities and escape routes.

“As Local Governments, the very hosts of these dastardly acts, and with three Nigerian states sharing boundaries with Kebbi State—namely Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger State—alongside additional international borders with the Republics of Niger and Benin, this presents an existential challenge that demands continuous collaboration,” the association stated.

It consequently pledged to deepen intelligence sharing with security agencies and support stronger collaboration among relevant institutions to improve surveillance across communities and border areas.

ALGON said its objective was to contribute to making Kebbi’s communities and borders increasingly hostile to kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.

Beyond public safety, the association stressed that security remains fundamental to the state’s economic development, maintaining that investors and businesses require a stable environment to operate, expand and create employment.

“The development of our communities is a key priority of His Excellency, and we are committed to supporting all efforts to make Kebbi investment-friendly and secure,” ALGON stated.

The association reaffirmed its support for the state government’s security efforts and urged residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in preventing criminal activities.

ALGON also prayed for continued wisdom and strength for Governor Idris in steering the affairs of the state, while expressing hope that other victims of kidnapping across Kebbi State and the country would be released unharmed.