Nigeria: 100 kidnapped villagers freed after 42-day captivity

The released hostages, who will now undergo a medical check before joining their families, were kidnapped on June 8.

Police in Nigeria’s northwestern state of Zamfara have said they secured the release of 100 villagers kidnapped in early June following negotiations with their abductors. Mohammed Shehu, spokesman for Zamfara state police, said in a statement on Tuesday the release was “unconditional” and that it had been secured “without giving any financial or material gain” to the gang. The released hostages would undergo medical checks before being reunited with their families, Shehu said.