The Zamfara State Police Command has launched a search operation to rescue six Islamic clerics abducted by suspected bandits in Bakura Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were reportedly seized after armed men ambushed the vehicle conveying them along the Dakko–Damri feeder road and forced them into captivity.
The incident occurred at about 11:30am on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as the clerics, all identified as Imams, were travelling to Talata Mafara, according to the police.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau, saying the assailants were armed with sophisticated weapons.
He said the Bakura Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised personnel, including members of the Vigilante and Crime Response Unit, alongside operatives from other security agencies, to commence a rescue mission.
“The security team 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.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Bello, had directed the operatives to intensify the operation and deploy all available resources towards securing the safe release of the abducted clerics.
The command also appealed to residents to provide useful information that could aid the rescue effort and assist security agencies in tracking down those responsible for the abduction.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has denied reports that the clerics were kidnapped from the residence of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.
The Army made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt-Col. Olaniyi Osoba.
