In a breakthrough, three Imams abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after seven weeks in captivity. The clerics were kidnapped on September 12, 2026, while traveling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to a senior security operative, the Imams were rescued unhurt through intelligence-led operations by the security agencies.
The six Imams were intercepted near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State at about 11:30am on September 12. Armed men in a vehicle took them away, approximately three kilometers from Damri village, around the Gidan Suleiman Bature area. The Imams were on their way to participate in a special prayer session organized for President Tinubu, sparking concerns over the security situation in the area.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million for the release of the abducted clerics. Following their rescue, the Imams underwent medical examinations and debriefing and were found to be in stable condition. Arrangements are being made to hand them over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.
Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, confirmed the rescue of the three Imams and commended the collaboration among the security agencies. He acknowledged the cooperation between the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and police operatives, saying the joint efforts contributed to the successful operation.
The rescue highlights the role of intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation in ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry in the North-West. The security agencies are working to secure the release of the remaining three clerics and apprehend those responsible for the abduction. They are relying on intelligence from residents and community members to track the kidnappers and support the operations.
The search for the remaining abducted clerics continues, with the public urged to provide timely and credible information that could assist security personnel in locating the remaining victims and addressing criminal activities in the region. Although the rescue of the three Imams represents progress, the continued captivity of the remaining victims means the security agencies still have work to do.
The Zamfara State Government and security agencies are working together to ensure the safe release of the remaining clerics and to address the security challenges in the area. The incident has sparked concerns over the security situation in Zamfara State, particularly the continued activities of armed groups operating around forest communities and rural routes.
Key points
- Three Imams abducted in Zamfara State have been freed after seven weeks in captivity.
- The rescue was a result of a joint operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.
- The search for the remaining three abducted clerics continues, with the public urged to provide timely and credible information.
