The Zamfara Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, has confirmed the rescue of three of the six Islamic clerics (Imam) kidnapped on September 12, while travelling to Talata Mafara, Zamfara.
Bello gave the confirmation in an interview with some select reporters on Friday in Gusau.
He said the rescue followed a multi-agency collaboration and seamless synergy between the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Department of State Services, DSS, and police operatives.
The CP said security tactical operations remained ongoing in full force, leveraging real-time intelligence supplied by local community members to track down the remaining armed bandits and ensure the safe rescue of the three clerics still in captivity.
ONSA, in a high-stakes intelligence-driven collaboration with the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, rescued the three Islamic clerics kidnapped while en route to a special prayer session for President Bola Tinubu in Talata Mafara, Zamfara.
The victims were part of a group of six Islamic clerics abducted on September 12, when heavily armed bandits intercepted them around 11:30 a.m. on the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura local government area.
The clerics, identified as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u, were travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer gathering to seek divine favour for Tinubu’s administration.
Their abductors had reportedly demanded N30 million ransom for their release.
A senior security operative involved in the extraction also confirmed that the three clerics were rescued unhurt following meticulous, intelligence-led manoeuvres.
The clerics are said to be in stable condition after receiving medical evaluation and expert debriefing.
The security operatives confirmed that the three clerics were slated for formal handover to the Zamfara government to reunite them with their families.
The Police command assured that operational leads would continue, urging the public to maintain a vigilant flow of timely, actionable information to help flush out terrorist elements across the region.
READ ALSO:
Why power sector privatization failed –Nnaji, former Power minister
Troops neutralise three terrorists, recover arms, cattle, motorcycle
Wale Olomu memorial awards return in December
INTIMATE AFFAIR: Four marital sins, By Funke Egbemode
Tinubu nominates six executive directors for NMDPRA
Food adulteration: Experts demand shake up in NAFDAC
PSC appoints two DIGs, promotes over 3,800 senior officers
From reforms to delivery: Our infrastructure investment and growth strategy
Ekiti: Oyebanji tasks APC stakeholders on Tinubu’s re-election
Tinubu defends borrowing plans, speaks on benefits to Nigeria
Tinubu arrives in Saudi Arabia for Umrah
Morocco 2026: Flamingos edge Mexico 2-1, reach quarter-finals
Adefaye at 65: Ogundipe applauds his contributions to journalism
Troops arrest two suspected bandit logistics suppliers
Saudi Arabia begins separation surgery for Tanzanian conjoined twins