By Prosper Okoye
Security operatives have rescued three Islamic clerics kidnapped by armed bandits in Zamfara State while travelling to attend a prayer gathering for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
The clerics were among six Imams abducted on September 12, 2026, when gunmen intercepted them along the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area of the state.
The rescue operation involved the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
The clerics were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara for a prayer gathering seeking divine favour for Tinubu’s administration and political future.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for their release.
A senior security operative involved in the operation confirmed in Gusau that the three Imams were rescued unharmed following an intelligence-led operation.
The rescued clerics received medical attention and were debriefed by security personnel. They are expected to be handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, also confirmed the rescue, attributing the success of the operation to cooperation among the security agencies.
Security officials disclosed that efforts were continuing to locate the remaining three clerics still being held by the kidnappers and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
They urged residents to provide security agencies with relevant information that could assist ongoing operations against banditry in the state.
