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 bandits in Zamfara State.
The clerics were among six Imams kidnapped on September 12, 2026, while travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer session for President Bola Tinubu.
The armed bandits reportedly intercepted their vehicle around 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko-Damri feeder road, near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area, about three kilometres from Damri village.
The kidnappers were said to have demanded a ransom of N30 million for the release of the clerics.
A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation confirmed in Gusau that the three victims were recovered unharmed following intelligence-led operations by the security agencies.
They subsequently underwent medical evaluations and security debriefings and were reported to be in stable condition.
The rescued clerics are expected to be handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, also confirmed the rescue, commending the collaboration among ONSA, the DSS and police operatives.
Security agencies said operations were continuing to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the three remaining Imams still in captivity.
They also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to assist security operatives in tackling banditry and other criminal activities across the region.
