Army Denies Abduction Of Islamic Scholars At Yari’s Zamfara Residence

The Nigerian Army has denied reports that a group of Islamic scholars were abducted at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, described the reports as misleading and said no cleric was abducted at Yari’s residence.

The Army said intelligence reports indicated that some persons were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.

It, however, said troops, working with sister security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

“The attention of Headquarters 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) has been drawn to a misleading report circulating on various media platforms claiming that a group of Islamic scholars were abducted at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State,” the statement said.

The Army categorically rejected the claim that the abduction occurred at the senator’s residence.

“We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no Cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s Residence. The narrative that the abduction took place at the Senator’s residence in Talata Mafara is entirely false,” it said.

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According to the statement, security forces were already working to secure the release of those abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis.

“Intelligence reports confirm that some persons were abducted while traveling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara. However, troops in close synergy with sister security agencies and local intelligence networks have intensified efforts to rescue the kidnap victims,” the Army said.

The Army also urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports that could cause panic or interfere with ongoing security operations.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard sensationalized narratives and unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic or compromising ongoing tactical operations,” it said.

It further called on residents to remain calm and vigilant while providing security agencies with timely and actionable information that could assist efforts to resolve the situation.