Army confirms abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of some Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, while debunking reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former governor of the state, 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.

This 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, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.

The statement, titled “Situation Report on Abduction of Islamic Scholars in Zamfara State,” described reports that the clerics were abducted at Yari’s residence as misleading.

It read, “We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s Residence.”

The Army added, “Intelligence reports confirm that some persons were abducted while travelling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara.”

As reported by Daily Trust, 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 newspaper reported that the clerics were 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, telling Daily Trust that six Imams were abducted.

“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” capable of causing panic or compromising ongoing tactical operations.

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