Army confirms six Islamic scholars were kidnapped in Zamfara

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that some Islamic scholars were kidnapped in Zamfara State. They also said reports claiming the clerics were taken from the home of former governor Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara are false.

The Army stated that the victims were taken while traveling from the Sububu forest area in Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara.

This information came in a statement released on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba. He is the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The statement, titled “Situation Report on Abduction of Islamic Scholars in Zamfara State,” said claims that the clerics were kidnapped at Yari’s home are 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 traveling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara.”

According to Daily Trust, six Juma’at Imams were taken by suspected bandits while on their way to Talata Mafara for a special prayer session. This session was organized for peace and to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The report mentioned that the clerics were kidnapped about three kilometers from Damri village. This happened at Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest.

The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed this event. Their spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, told Daily Trust that six Imams were indeed 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 reported that troops are working with other security agencies and local intelligence to rescue the victims.

They urged the public to ignore “sensationalised narratives and unverified information” that could cause panic or disrupt ongoing operations.

The Army also asked residents to stay calm and alert. They encouraged people to provide timely information to help with the rescue efforts.