The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of several Islamic scholars in Zamfara State while rejecting reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former governor and Senator Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the victims were taken while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.
The statement, titled “Situation Report on Abduction of Islamic Scholars in Zamfara State,” described claims of an abduction 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,” it said.
Intelligence reports, according to the Army, confirmed the kidnapping occurred en route from the Sububu forest area.
Earlier reports indicated that six Juma’at Imams were seized by suspected bandits about three kilometres from Damri village, at Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest, while heading to a special prayer session in Talata Mafara.
The gathering, organised by Yari (Director-General of the Tinubu 2027 re-election campaign council), was intended to pray for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar stated that six Imams were abducted and that officers had intensified rescue efforts to secure their safe return.
The Army said troops, in coordination with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, have stepped up operations to locate and free the victims.
It urged the public to ignore sensationalised or unverified reports that could cause panic or hinder ongoing efforts, and called on residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and share timely information with security agencies.
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