Six Islamic Scholars Abducted in Zamfara State

The Nigerian Army confirmed the abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, clarifying that they were not kidnapped at the residence of former governor Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara. Instead, the clerics were abducted while traveling from the Sububu forest area in Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara.

This clarification was made in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The clerics, identified as Juma’at Imams, were reportedly kidnapped by suspected bandits approximately three kilometers from Damri village at Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest while en route to a special prayer session for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

The Zamfara State Police Command, through spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar, also confirmed the incident. The Army has intensified rescue efforts and urged the public to disregard sensationalized narratives that could hinder operations.