A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abba Musa Usman, has been released after months in captivity by bandits in Nigeria’s north-western state of Zamfara, following reports of a ₦10 million ransom payment and the delivery of two motorcycles.
Abba was kidnapped on January 9, 2026, while traveling from Gusau to Sokoto, along the notorious Gusau-Sokoto road.
Initial ransom demands were ₦10 million. After payment was made, the kidnappers requested additional ransom, specifically two motorcycles.
His release follows high anxiety, a partial ransom payment, and a recent video confirming he was alive.
Due to broken communication after payment, his family feared he had been killed and held a funeral (Janaza) prayer on March 5, 2026, before later receiving confirmation he was still alive.
A proof-of-life video surfaced in March showing him alive but weakened, which renewed efforts to secure his release.
He was eventually freed after continued negotiations and the fulfilment of remaining demands.
Usman has since reunited with his family and is receiving medical care. The case has again highlighted ongoing insecurity affecting travellers in parts of northwestern Nigeria, including corps members serving under the National Youth Service Corps scheme.
Reports as of April 1, 2026, confirm his release, bringing an end to his months in captivity.
The prolonged captivity triggered massive public concern, with calls for increased government action and security on highways, according to social media reports.
[8:21 pm, 01/04/2026] Mr Otoks: Nigeria: Bauchi Gov Bala Mohammed holds closed-door meeting with APC National Chairman for possible defection
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reportedly held a high-stakes, closed-door meeting with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Government House in Bauchi.
The maneuvers highlight significant political realignments in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting occurred amid growing speculation that Governor Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, may quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to failed reconciliation efforts and internal crises.
The meeting was strictly between the Governor, the APC National Chairman, and Governor Abba Yusuf.
State party executives were said to have been excluded and the media barred from covering the session.
Both Mohammed and Yilwatda declined interviews afterward, characterizing the discussion as a “private engagement.”
Just 24 hours prior, Mohammed had hosted a delegation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former SGF Babachir Lawal.
Political observers view the visit by the APC leadership as a last-minute effort to persuade Mohammed to join the ruling party instead of the ADC.
