Abducted Zamfara Imams Regain Freedom

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force have rescued three of the six Islamic clerics abducted by bandits in Zamfara State.

The clerics were kidnapped on September 12, 2026, while travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The armed men reportedly intercepted the clerics at about 11:30am along the Dakko-Damri feeder road, near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area of the state.

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The abduction occurred about three kilometres from Damri village, around the Gidan Suleiman Bature area.

A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation, who confirmed the development in Gusau, said the three clerics were freed unhurt following intelligence-led efforts by the security agencies.

The source said the rescued victims underwent medical examinations and debriefing after their recovery and were reported to be in stable condition.

They are expected to be handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.

The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million for the release of the clerics.

The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, also confirmed the rescue, commending the collaboration among the security agencies.

He praised the cooperation between ONSA, the DSS and police operatives, which he said contributed to the successful operation.

Meanwhile, security operatives have continued efforts to rescue the remaining three clerics still being held by the kidnappers and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The agencies are also relying on intelligence from residents and other community members to track the suspects and support ongoing operations.

They urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could assist security personnel in tackling banditry and other criminal activities in the region.