The Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have successfully rescued three Islamic clerics who were kidnapped in Zamfara State. The victims were among six Imams abducted on September 12, 2026, while travelling to attend a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The kidnapping occurred when heavily armed bandits intercepted them along the Dakko-Damri feeder road.
The kidnapped clerics, identified as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon, and Na’ibi Tasi’u, were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer gathering seeking divine guidance and favour for President Tinubu’s administration and political future. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 30 million naira for their release. A senior security operative confirmed that the three rescued clerics were found unharmed following a series of intelligence-led operations.
The rescued clerics subsequently underwent medical examinations and security debriefings. They are said to be in stable condition and are expected to be formally handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families. The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, confirmed the successful operation and commended the collaboration among ONSA, the DSS, and police operatives.
The kidnapping had occurred at about 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko-Damri feeder road, near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area, about three kilometres from Damri village, at Gidan Suleiman Bature. The area has been prone to bandit activities, and the incident had raised concerns about the security situation in the region.
Security agencies say operations are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining three clerics still in captivity. The incident highlights the challenges faced by security agencies in combating banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria. The government has been working to strengthen security and rescue kidnapped victims.
The collaboration between ONSA, DSS, and the police has been credited with the successful rescue of the three clerics. The operation demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian government to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The incident also underscores the importance of intelligence-led operations in combating crime.
The rescued clerics will be reunited with their families, and the government has been commended for its efforts in securing their release. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by individuals, particularly those travelling to remote areas. The government has assured citizens of its commitment to enhancing security and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Three Islamic clerics kidnapped in Zamfara State while travelling to a prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been rescued by Nigerian security agencies.
- The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 30 million naira for the release of the clerics.
- Operations are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining three clerics still in captivity.
