Police rescue three of six kidnapped Islamic clerics in Zamfara
ZAMFARA, Nigeria — Officials with the Zamfara State police command announced the successful rescue of three of the six Islamic clerics kidnapped on September 12 while en route to Talata Mafara. The police commissioner, Muhammad Bello, confirmed the development during a press briefing in Gusau on Friday.
Bello stated the rescue resulted from a coordinated effort that included the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and local law enforcement. He added that operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining three clerics, who are still in captivity.
The success of the operation was supported by real-time intelligence from local community members, which has aided security forces in tracking the kidnappers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported that the clerics were abducted while traveling from the Sububu Forest area in Bakura Local Government Area. The Nigerian Army also refuted claims that the clerics were taken from the residence of former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari.
The clerics were on their way to participate in a prayer session aimed at seeking divine assistance for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Reports indicate that their captors had demanded a ransom of 30 million naira.
A senior security official involved in the rescue operation confirmed that the freed clerics were unharmed. Following medical evaluations and security debriefings, they were found to be in stable condition.
The rescued clerics are expected to be returned to the Zamfara State Government, where they will be reunited with their families. The police reiterated their commitment to continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and urged the public to share any information that could assist in combating banditry and other criminal activities in the area.
