…Troops intensify rescue operation
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, but dismissed reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former governor of the state, Abdul’aziz Yari.
The Army said the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.
The statement, titled “Situation Report on Abduction of Islamic Scholars in Zamfara State,” described reports linking the abduction to Yari’s residence as misleading.
“We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s Residence,” the Army stated.
It added: “Intelligence reports confirm that some persons were abducted while travelling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara.”
According to reports, the six Juma’at Imams were allegedly abducted by suspected bandits while travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer session organised for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The clerics were reportedly abducted about three kilometres from Damri village, around Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest.
The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said six Imams were abducted and that security personnel had commenced efforts to secure their release.
“Yes, the incident occurred, but the number of the Imams abducted was six and our men have intensified a rescue mission to ensure their safe return,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The Army urged members of the public to disregard what it described as “sensationalised narratives and unverified information” capable of creating panic or compromising ongoing tactical operations.
It also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist the rescue operation.
The abduction comes amid continued security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West, where security agencies have intensified operations against banditry and kidnapping.
