Army Confirms Abduction of Six Imams in Zamfara, Denies Kidnapping at Yari’s Residence

Army Confirms Abduction of Six Imams in Zamfara, Denies Kidnapping at Yari’s Residence

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of six Islamic clerics in Zamfara State, while dismissing reports that the victims were kidnapped at the residence of former Zamfara State governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari.

The Army said the six Juma’at imams were abducted while travelling through a rural area in Zamfara, not at Yari’s residence as earlier reports suggested.

The clarification followed reports that the clerics were abducted during a gathering at Yari’s residence, where they were said to have assembled for a special prayer session.

The Army’s 8 Division, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said available intelligence showed that the clerics were intercepted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.

According to the military, the incident occurred along the Dakko–Damri feeder road, around the Gonar Sarkin Forest area.

The Army described reports linking the abduction to Yari’s residence as misleading and urged the public to rely on verified information concerning the incident.

The clarification does not dispute that the clerics were abducted. Rather, it corrects the location and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Zamfara State Police Command has also confirmed the abduction of the six Islamic scholars and said security agencies had commenced efforts to rescue them.

The clerics were reportedly travelling towards Talata Mafara when they were intercepted by suspected bandits operating in the area.

The incident has generated concern because the victims were reportedly associated with a planned prayer gathering connected with political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

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Reports indicated that the clerics were heading to a special prayer session for peace in the country and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The gathering was reportedly linked to Senator Yari, who is also playing a prominent role in the 2027 presidential campaign.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, has emerged as a key figure within the ruling political structure as preparations intensify for the next presidential election.

However, the Army stressed that there was no evidence that the clerics were abducted from Yari’s residence.

Military authorities said troops and other security agencies had intensified efforts to locate the victims and secure their release.

The operation is being conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the military’s ongoing campaign against banditry and other security threats in parts of the North-West.

Security personnel are also working with local intelligence networks to establish the movements of the abductors and determine the whereabouts of the kidnapped clerics.

The police command has similarly said it is coordinating with other security agencies in the rescue effort.

The latest incident underscores the continuing security challenges in Zamfara State, where bandit groups have continued to operate along rural roads, forest corridors and communities despite sustained military and police operations.

The Sububu Forest and other forested areas in Zamfara have frequently been identified as hideouts and operational corridors for criminal groups involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes.

The abduction also highlights the security risks faced by travellers using rural roads linking communities in the state.

Authorities have repeatedly advised residents and travellers to exercise caution and provide security agencies with timely information about suspicious movements.

The Army has appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports that could create confusion or compromise ongoing security operations.

It also urged residents with credible information about the location or movements of the abducted clerics to provide such information to security agencies.

The latest development comes amid continuing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal camps and rescue kidnapped victims across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

The military has in recent months intensified operations against armed groups in the North-West, including targeted operations aimed at denying bandits access to forest hideouts and disrupting their logistics networks.

Despite these operations, kidnapping remains a major security concern in Zamfara and other parts of the region.

The abduction of the six imams has therefore added fresh pressure on security agencies to secure the victims and prevent further attacks along the state’s rural routes.

For now, the authorities have confirmed that the clerics were abducted but have rejected the claim that they were taken from Yari’s residence.

Efforts are continuing to locate the six victims and bring them to safety, while security agencies investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and pursue those responsible.

Army Confirms Abduction of Six Imams in Zamfara, Denies Kidnapping at Yari’s Residence