Police begin rescue operation for six abducted Islamic clerics in Zamfara

Police Officers. Credit: Stock photo

The Zamfara State Police Command has commenced a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of six Islamic clerics abducted by armed bandits along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in the Bakura Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, in Gusau, the state capital.

Abubakar said the clerics were abducted on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at about 11:30 am by suspected armed bandits who reportedly wielded sophisticated weapons.

“The assailants laid an ambush along the Dakko–Damri feeder road and intercepted the vehicle conveying the victims,” he said

He said the six victims, all identified as Imams, were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara when they were abducted by the suspected armed assailants.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bakura Division, promptly mobilised and led police personnel, including the Vigilante and Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with other sister security agencies, to the scene of the incident.

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“The team of security operatives has commenced an intensive search operation, with the surrounding bushes being thoroughly combed in an effort to locate and rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” Abubakar said.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara Command, Ahmed Bello, has directed the operatives involved in the rescue operation to intensify efforts and ensure that every available resource is deployed towards the safe rescue of the victims.

“The command is also appealing to members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Abubakar pleaded.

Earlier, the Nigerian Army dismissed reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former governor of the state, Abdul’aziz Yari, in Talata Mafara LGA.

The Army’s stance was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lit-Col. Olaniyi Osoba.