Army Confirms Abduction of Six Islamic Scholars in Zamfara

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, clarifying that the clerics were not kidnapped at the residence of former state governor Abdul’aziz Yari, as previously reported. The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, stated that the victims were abducted while traveling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara.

Reports indicated that the clerics were on their way to a special prayer session for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid when they were kidnapped approximately three kilometers from Damri village, in Gonar Sarkin Forest. The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that security personnel have intensified efforts to rescue the six Imams.

The Army urged the public to disregard sensationalized narratives that could cause panic and called for vigilance and timely information to support ongoing rescue operations.