The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force have rescued three Islamic clerics who were kidnapped while travelling to attend a special prayer session for President Bola Tinubu in Zamfara State.
The clerics were among six Imams abducted on September 12, 2026, when armed bandits reportedly intercepted them along the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area.
The victims were travelling to Talata Mafara for a prayer gathering seeking divine guidance and favour for Tinubu’s administration and political future. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦30m for their release.
A senior security operative involved in the operation confirmed in Gusau that three of the clerics were rescued unharmed following intelligence-led operations.
The rescued victims underwent medical examinations and security debriefings and were said to be in stable condition. They are expected to be handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, also confirmed the rescue, commending the collaboration among the security agencies.
Meanwhile, security operations are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining three clerics still in captivity.
The agencies urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security operatives in identifying and apprehending criminal elements in the region.