The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the rescue of three out of six Islamic clerics kidnapped by armed bandits while travelling through the Sububu forest axis to Talata Mafara on September 12.
The clerics, identified as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon, and Na’ibi Tasi’u, were abducted en route to a special prayer gathering.
The rescue mission was executed after a multi-agency collaboration involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the police.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, confirmed the extraction on Friday in Gusau. He stated that the victims were rescued unhurt following meticulous, intelligence-led manoeuvres and are currently in stable condition after receiving medical evaluation.
The State Commissioner of Police assured that operations are ongoing to track down the armed bandits and free the remaining hostages.
“Security tactical operations remained ongoing in full force, leveraging real-time intelligence supplied by local community members to track down the remaining armed bandits and ensure the safe rescue of the three clerics still in captivity,” CP Bello confirmed.
The Nigerian Army previously debunked reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, explaining that the abduction took place along the Sububu forest axis.
The abductors had reportedly demanded a N30 million ransom before the successful intervention by joint forces.
The rescued clerics are scheduled for a formal handover to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.
The police command urged the public to keep the flow of information to help security agencies completely flush out terrorist elements across the region.
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