Police Confirm Rescue of Three Kidnapped Zamfara Clerics

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of three Islamic clerics who were among six abducted by armed bandits in the state on September 12.

The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, confirmed the development during an interview with selected journalists in Gusau on Friday.

He said the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The clerics were abducted while travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer gathering. Armed men reportedly intercepted their vehicle at about 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area.

The victims were among six Islamic clerics travelling to attend the gathering, which was organised to pray for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million for their release.

A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation said the three clerics were freed unharmed after intelligence-led operations. They subsequently underwent medical examinations and security debriefing and were reported to be in stable condition.

The rescued victims are expected to be formally handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.

Bello said security operations were still ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining three clerics in captivity and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

He also acknowledged the role of local residents in providing intelligence to security agencies, urging communities to continue sharing credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to tackle banditry and improve safety across the state.