Three abducted Imams regain fr£edom after seven weeks in capt!vity
Three abducted Imams regain freedom after seven weeks in captivity
Three of the six Islamic clerics abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom following a joint rescue operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
The clerics, who were kidnapped on September 12, 2026, while travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were reportedly rescued unhurt through intelligence-led operations by the security agencies. Blueprint reports
A senior security operative involved in the operation, who confirmed the development in Gusau, said the rescued clerics had undergone medical examinations and debriefing and were in stable condition.
The source added that arrangements were being made to hand them over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.
Their release comes amid sustained security operations to secure the freedom of the remaining three clerics still being held by the abductors.
Clerics intercepted near Sububu Forest
The six clerics were reportedly abducted at about 11:30am on September 12 while travelling along the Dakko-Damri feeder road, near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident occurred approximately three kilometres from Damri village, around the Gidan Suleiman Bature area, when armed men intercepted their vehicle and took them away.
The clerics were on their way to Talata Mafara to participate in a special prayer session organised for President Tinubu.
Their abduction triggered concerns over the security situation in the area, particularly the continued activities of armed groups operating around forest communities and rural routes in Zamfara.
The kidnappers were reportedly demanding a ransom of N30 million for the release of the abducted clerics.
Police confirm rescue, commend security collaboration
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, also confirmed the rescue of the three clerics, commending the collaboration among the security agencies.
He specifically acknowledged the cooperation between ONSA, the DSS and police operatives, saying the joint efforts contributed to the successful operation.
The latest development highlights the role of intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation in ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry in the North-West.
Meanwhile, security operatives have continued efforts to secure the release of the remaining three clerics and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The agencies are reportedly relying on intelligence from residents and other community members to track the kidnappers and support the ongoing operations.
They have urged members of the public 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 clerics represents progress in the operation, the continued captivity of the remaining victims means the security agencies still have work to do to ensure that all six regain their freedom.
