In a significant breakthrough, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force have successfully rescued three Islamic clerics who were abducted in Zamfara State. The victims, part of a group of six Imams, were kidnapped on September 12, 2026, by heavily armed bandits while en route to a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The abduction occurred along the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area.
The rescued Imams, identified as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, and Malam Shehu Dakko, were travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer gathering aimed at seeking divine favour for President Tinubu's administration and political future. Following their abduction, the captors had demanded a ransom of N30 million for their release. A senior security operative involved in the extraction confirmed that the three clerics were rescued unhurt following meticulous, intelligence-led manoeuvres.
Upon their recovery, the Imams underwent medical evaluation and an expert debriefing. They are reported to be in stable condition and slated for formal handover to the Zamfara State Government so they can reunite with their families. The successful rescue was a result of a multi-agency collaboration, with the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, praising the seamless synergy between ONSA, DSS, and police operatives.
The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of security agencies to tackle banditry and terrorism in the region. Security agencies emphasised that tactical operations remain ongoing, leveraging real-time intelligence supplied by local community members to track down the remaining armed bandits and ensure the safe recovery of the three Imams still in captivity.
The public has been urged to continue providing timely and actionable information to help identify terrorist elements across the region. The collaboration between ONSA, DSS, and the police demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian government to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, particularly in areas affected by banditry and terrorism.
The rescue of the three Imams is a welcome relief to their families and the community, who had been anxiously waiting for their safe return. The incident underscores the risks faced by individuals, particularly those in the public eye, who are often targets of kidnappers and bandits.
The Nigerian government's efforts to combat banditry and terrorism are ongoing, with a focus on intelligence-driven operations and community engagement. The successful rescue of the three Imams is a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts and the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Key points
- Three Imams abducted in Zamfara while heading to a prayer session for President Tinubu have been rescued by ONSA, DSS, and police in a high-stakes operation.
- The rescued Imams are Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, and Malam Shehu Dakko, who were kidnapped on September 12, 2026, by heavily armed bandits.
- The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of security agencies to tackle banditry and terrorism in the region, with a focus on intelligence-driven operations and community engagement.
