Zamfara: Police launch rescue operation for six abducted Islamic clerics

The Zamfara Police Command has commenced a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of six Islamic clerics (Imams) abducted by armed bandits along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Yazid Abubakar, in Gusau on Sunday.

Abubakar said the clerics were abducted on Sept. 12, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m. by bandits who reportedly wielded sophisticated weapons.

“The assailants laid an ambush along the Dakko–Damri feeder road and intercepted the vehicle conveying the victims,” he said

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He said the six victims, all identified as Imams, were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara when they were abducted by the gunmen.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bakura Division, promptly mobilised and led Police personnel, including the Vigilante and Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with other sister security agencies, to the scene of the incident.

“The team of security operatives has commenced an intensive search operation, with the surrounding bushes being thoroughly combed in an effort to locate and rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” Abubakar said.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara Command, CP Ahmed Bello, has directed the operatives involved in the rescue operation to intensify efforts and ensure that every available resource is deployed toward the safe rescue of the victims.

“The command is also appealing to members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Abubakar added.