DSS Rescues Kidnapped Pastors, Arrests Three Arms Couriers in Niger State

DSS Rescues Kidnapped Pastors, Arrests Three Arms Couriers in Niger State

The Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully rescued three kidnapped pastors and a church member in Niger State, intensifying efforts to combat kidnapping and armed criminal networks in northern Nigeria.

The victims — Rev. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu — were abducted on January 9, 2026, while travelling to officiate a wedding in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area. DSS operatives recovered them alive in the bush during a targeted security operation, bringing relief to their families and the wider Christian community.

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In a related crackdown, the DSS also arrested three suspects believed to be arms and ammunition couriers facilitating kidnappings along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna corridor. Investigations revealed that the suspects transported weapons using remote routes and motor parks to evade security checkpoints.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), commended the DSS for the successful rescue, highlighting the importance of community cooperation and timely intelligence in tackling criminal networks.

This operation comes amid a broader push by Nigerian security agencies to combat banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings, particularly in northern and central states. Similar coordinated efforts last year led to the neutralization of dozens of armed bandits and the rescue of multiple victims, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations.

The DSS has reiterated that sustained synergy between security forces and local communities is critical to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across vulnerable regions in Nigeria.

DSS Rescues Kidnapped Pastors, Arrests Three Arms Couriers in Niger State