Army Confirms Abduction Of 6 Islamic Scholars In Zamfara

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, while dismissing reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former state governor, Abdul’aziz Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

The Army said the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday titled: “Situation Report on Abduction of Islamic Scholars in Zamfara State.”

Osoba described reports that the clerics were abducted at Yari’s residence as misleading, saying, “We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s Residence.”

He added that intelligence reports confirmed that some persons were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara.

Daily Trust had reported that six Juma’at Imams were abducted by suspected bandits while travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer session organised for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The clerics were reportedly abducted about three kilometres from Damri village, at Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest.

The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident, with its spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, saying six Imams were abducted and that security personnel had intensified efforts to rescue them.

“Yes, the incident occurred, but the number of the Imams abducted was six and our men have intensified a rescue mission to ensure their safe return,” he said.

The Army said troops, working with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

It urged members of the public to disregard “sensationalised narratives and unverified information” that could cause panic or compromise ongoing tactical operations.

The Army also called on residents to remain calm and vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information to support the rescue operation.