Security Operatives Free Three Zamfara Imams Abducted While Travelling to Tinubu Prayer Gathering

Three Islamic clerics who were kidnapped by armed bandits in Zamfara State while travelling to attend a special prayer gathering for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been rescued by security operatives.

The rescue operation was reportedly carried out through a joint effort involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The successful operation has brought relief to the families and associates of the rescued clerics, who had been held in captivity following an attack on their travelling party in September.

According to reports, the victims were among six Islamic clerics abducted on September 12, 2026, when armed bandits intercepted their vehicle along the Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 11:30 a.m. near Sububu Forest, approximately three kilometres from Damri village, around the Gidan Suleiman Bature area.

The clerics were said to have been travelling to Talata Mafara to participate in a special prayer session organised to seek divine guidance and favour for President Tinubu’s administration and political future.

Their journey was interrupted when the armed men reportedly blocked their movement and took them away to an unknown location.

The abduction immediately raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders and other residents travelling through communities affected by criminal activities in Zamfara State.

The victims were reportedly among a group of six Imams whose identities included Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u.

Following their disappearance, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million for the release of the abducted clerics.

The development placed additional pressure on security agencies to locate the victims and secure their freedom.

After weeks of uncertainty, three of the kidnapped clerics were eventually rescued during intelligence-led operations conducted by security personnel.

A senior security operative involved in the operation reportedly confirmed the development in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

The rescued clerics were said to have been found unharmed, bringing an end to their period of captivity.

Security sources disclosed that the operation involved coordinated efforts among the different agencies, with intelligence gathering playing an important role in locating the victims.

The rescue also highlighted the importance of cooperation among security institutions when responding to kidnapping incidents and other criminal activities.

Following their release, the three clerics reportedly underwent medical examinations and security debriefings to assess their condition and obtain information about their experience in captivity.

They were said to be in stable condition after the examinations and were expected to be formally handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families.

The rescue has provided relief to relatives and members of the religious community who had been concerned about the fate of the abducted men since the incident occurred.

However, the operation has not yet resulted in the freedom of all the victims, as three other clerics from the original group reportedly remain in captivity.

Security agencies have continued efforts to locate the remaining abducted individuals and secure their release.

The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, reportedly confirmed the successful rescue of the three clerics and commended the collaboration between the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS and police operatives.

The police leadership also acknowledged the importance of cooperation between security agencies in addressing kidnapping and other threats affecting communities across the state.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the activities of those responsible.

The operation has also renewed attention on the security situation in Zamfara, where armed groups have continued to pose challenges to residents and travellers.

Kidnapping remains a major concern for communities affected by banditry, with victims often facing prolonged periods of captivity while their families seek assistance.

Religious leaders, traders, farmers, students and other residents can also become vulnerable when travelling through areas where armed criminal groups operate.

The abduction of the six clerics demonstrated how security threats can affect people travelling for religious activities and other important engagements.

The rescue of three victims therefore represents an important development for their families, although the continued captivity of the remaining clerics means the operation is not yet complete.

Security agencies have reportedly urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and operations.

Residents are also encouraged to report suspicious activities and cooperate with authorities when information could help identify criminal groups or locate abducted persons.

The agencies are expected to continue working together to track down the individuals responsible for the kidnapping and ensure that the remaining victims are safely returned.

The incident has once again placed the issue of kidnapping and community safety at the centre of public discussion in Zamfara State.

While the rescue of the three Imams has brought relief, attention remains focused on the efforts to secure the freedom of the other victims and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The authorities have maintained that operations against criminal groups will continue as security personnel work to protect residents and restore confidence among communities affected by banditry.