Zamfara Abduction: Six Imams Still in Bandits’ Den Two Weeks Later

Zamfara Abduction: Six Imams Still in Bandits’ Den Two Weeks Later

Six Islamic clerics abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State have remained in captivity for about two weeks, with their families and communities still awaiting their safe release.

The six Imams were abducted on September 12, 2026, along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area, while travelling towards Talata Mafara.

The victims were identified as Malam Muhammadu Shehu, Chief Imam of Dakko Juma’at Mosque; Malam Murtala Dakko, Deputy Imam of the mosque; Malam Muhammad Yahuza, Chief Imam of Dogon Madacci First Juma’at Mosque; Malam Magawata Abdullahi, Chief Imam of Dogon Madacci Second Juma’at Mosque; Malam Bala Hogun, Chief Imam of Hogun Juma’at Mosque; and Malam Muhammad Tasi’u, Chief Imam of Kwatsama Juma’at Mosque.

The Zamfara State Police Command said the clerics were travelling in a private vehicle when armed men reportedly ambushed them at about 11:30am.

Following the attack, police operatives and other security personnel launched a search-and-rescue operation to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.

The police commissioner directed the operatives to intensify efforts to secure the clerics’ release and appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist the operation.

The Nigerian Army also confirmed the incident but clarified that the clerics were not abducted at the residence of former Zamfara governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, contrary to some initial reports.

The Army said intelligence indicated that the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara.

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The clerics were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara for a meeting at Yari’s residence. Reports said the gathering involved Islamic scholars and prayers linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, although the abduction occurred before the clerics reached the venue.

The case took a more worrying turn after the abductors reportedly demanded ₦30 million ransom for the release of the six Imams.

A resident of Dakko said the bandits initially abducted eight people, including the six clerics, their driver and two other people returning from a farm.

The driver was reportedly released after his family paid ₦2 million, while the two other victims were said to have regained their freedom after their families reportedly paid ₦300,000 each and provided two 25-litre jerrycans of petrol.

The same account said efforts were underway to raise the ₦30 million ransom demanded for the six Imams.

There were also reports that a serving senator from Zamfara had offered to assist with the ransom. However, the chairman of Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Yahaya Yari, later denied reports that Senator Abdul’aziz Yari had promised to pay the ransom.

The reported ransom demand has therefore not translated into any confirmed payment arrangement by the government or the senator.

The prolonged captivity has heightened anxiety among the families and communities of the abducted clerics, particularly because some of the victims are elderly.

Residents have also expressed concern over the security of travellers using rural roads in Zamfara State, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted motorists and residents.

Some community members said travellers had increasingly turned to feeder roads to avoid attacks on major routes. The abduction of the six Imams, however, demonstrated that rural roads remain vulnerable to attacks.

Local vigilantes reportedly pursued the attackers after the abduction and managed to restrict their movement for several hours.

A vigilante involved in the operation said the attackers were unable to move freely with the victims for some time but that the local security personnel eventually withdrew because they lacked sufficient reinforcement and feared that a confrontation could endanger the captives.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger security operations in Zamfara, particularly along routes linking rural communities with major towns.

Despite the passage of about two weeks since the Zamfara Imams were abducted, there has been no confirmed public announcement of their release.

Their families and community leaders are continuing to await their safe return while security agencies face pressure to intensify efforts to locate the victims and bring their abductors to justice.

Zamfara Abduction: Six Imams Still in Bandits’ Den Two Weeks Later