Security Operatives Rescue Three Of Six Abducted Clerics, Remaining Victims Still Held

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of three out of six Islamic clerics who were kidnapped while travelling to Talata Mafara on September 12.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, disclosed the development during an interview with journalists in Gusau on Friday.

Bello explained that the successful rescue followed a joint security operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the freedom of the remaining three clerics, who are still being held by their abductors.

The police commissioner also revealed that security agencies were receiving real-time intelligence from residents and members of local communities to help track down the kidnappers and facilitate the rescue of the remaining victims.

The six Islamic scholars were reportedly abducted while travelling from the Sububu Forest area of Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara. The Nigerian Army had earlier confirmed the abduction and dismissed reports claiming that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari.

The clerics were said to have been travelling to attend a special prayer session organised to seek divine favour for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Their abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦30 million before the three victims were eventually rescued through an intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies.

A senior security operative involved in the operation disclosed that the rescued clerics were freed without sustaining injuries.

They were subsequently subjected to medical examinations and security debriefing, after which they were confirmed to be in stable condition.

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

Meanwhile, the police have assured residents that operations would continue until the remaining three victims are rescued and those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.

The command also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in combating banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.