The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of three Islamic clerics who were abducted by armed bandits while travelling to Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.
The clerics were among six Islamic religious leaders kidnapped on September 12 while travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area to attend a special prayer gathering in Talata Mafara.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, confirmed the development on Friday in Gusau, attributing the successful rescue to coordinated security operations involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the police commissioner, security operatives are sustaining intelligence-driven operations to locate and rescue the three remaining clerics still being held captive by the abductors.
He also acknowledged the contribution of local residents, whose timely intelligence has continued to support efforts to track down the suspected bandits.
The rescued clerics were reportedly freed unharmed and were said to be in stable condition after undergoing medical evaluation and security debriefing.
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A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation disclosed that the victims would be formally handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.
The clerics were reportedly travelling to attend a special prayer session organised to seek divine favour for President Bola Tinubu’s administration when they were abducted.
Their abductors had reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million for their release.
Meanwhile, the police have assured residents that efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims will continue, urging members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tackling banditry across the state.
The latest development offers hope to the families of the remaining captives as security agencies intensify efforts to bring the ordeal to an end.
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