From Ahmad Ibrahim, Gusau
Security operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force have rescued three Islamic clerics abducted by armed bandits in Zamfara State.
The clerics were among six Imams abducted on September 12, 2026, while travelling to attend a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The victims were reportedly intercepted by heavily armed bandits at about 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area, approximately three kilometres from Damri village at Gidan Suleiman Bature.
The clerics were travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer gathering aimed at seeking divine favour for President Tinubu’s administration and political future.
Following the abduction, the captors reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for their release.
A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation confirmed in Gusau that three of the abducted clerics had been freed following intelligence-led security operations.
The operative said the rescued victims were recovered unharmed after what was described as carefully coordinated security manoeuvres involving the participating agencies.
Following their rescue, the clerics reportedly underwent medical evaluation and debriefing.
They were said to be in stable condition and awaiting formal handover to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, also confirmed the successful operation, commending the collaboration among ONSA, DSS and police operatives.
Security agencies disclosed that operations were continuing to track down the remaining armed bandits and secure the release of the three other clerics reportedly still in captivity.
They said the operations were being supported by intelligence provided by members of local communities.
The agencies urged residents to continue providing timely, credible and actionable information to assist security personnel in identifying and apprehending criminal elements across the region.
They reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing operations aimed at securing the safe recovery of the remaining abducted clerics.
