Army confirms abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that six Islamic scholars were abducted in Zamfara State but denied reports that they were kidnapped at the residence of former governor, Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

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

The clarification 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 the report that the clerics were kidnapped at Yari’s residence as misleading.

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

It 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.”

Reports say six Juma’at Imams were kidnapped by suspected bandits while travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer session organised for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

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. Its spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said six Imams were abducted.

The Army said troops, alongside other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had stepped up efforts to rescue the abducted clerics.

It urged the public to ignore sensationalised narratives and unverified information” that could cause panic or interfere with the ongoing rescue operation.

The military also advised residents to remain calm and vigilant while providing security agencies with useful and timely information that could help secure the victims’ release.