Army confirms six Imams abducted in Zamfara, says rescue operation underway

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, while dismissing reports that they were kidnapped at the residence of former governor Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

The Army said the clerics were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara.

In a statement on Sunday, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the acting deputy director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, described reports of the abduction at Yari’s residence as misleading.

The Army said intelligence reports confirmed that some persons were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis to Talata Mafara.

According to reports, the six Juma’at Imams were abducted by suspected bandits while travelling to Talata Mafara for a special prayer session organised for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident, with its spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, saying six Imams were abducted and that security personnel had intensified efforts to rescue them.

The Army said troops, working with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

It urged the public to disregard sensationalised narratives and unverified information that could cause panic or compromise ongoing operations, while calling on residents to remain calm and provide timely information to security agencies.