ONSA, DSS Rescue Three Zamfara Clerics Kidnapped En Route To Prayer Session For Tinubu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued three Islamic clerics kidnapped while travelling to attend a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Zamfara State. The victims were among six Imams abducted on September 12, 2026, when heavily armed bandits intercepted them at about 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko-Damri feeder road, near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area, about three kilometres from Damri village, at Gidan Suleiman Bature.

The clerics, identified among the group as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u, were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer gathering seeking divine guidance and favour for President Tinubu’s administration and political future. Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of 30 million naira for their release.

A senior security operative involved in the operation confirmed in Gusau that three of the clerics were rescued unharmed following a series of intelligence-led operations. The rescued clerics subsequently underwent medical examinations and security debriefings. They are said to be in stable condition and are expected to be formally handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families.

The clerics, identified among the group as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, also confirmed the successful operation, commending the collaboration among ONSA, the DSS and police operatives. Security agencies say operations are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining three clerics still in captivity.

They also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information that could assist security operatives in identifying and apprehending criminal elements operating across the region.