The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of some Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, after days of holding back comment on the matter.
The confirmation follows viral reports on social media that some clerics were kidnapped at the residence of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign DG and former governor of the Zamfara State, Abdul’aziz Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.
The development is also coming days after reports of alleged three months ceasefire between the Nigeria government and Boko Haram terrorists, which has seen a considerable reduction in terrorist attacks and abductions in most parts of the country, particularly the South of Nigeria
Reacting to the development in a statement on Sunday, the Army confirmed the incident but denied the clerics were abducted in the residence of Tinubu’s campaign DG.
The statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, however clarified that the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara.
The statement, titled “Situation Report on Abduction of Islamic Scholars in Zamfara State,” described reports that the clerics were abducted at Yari’s residence as misleading.
“We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s Residence.”
The Army added, “Intelligence reports confirm that some persons were abducted while travelling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara.”
The Army said troops, working with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
It urged members of the public to disregard “sensationalised narratives and unverified information” capable of causing panic or compromising ongoing tactical operations.
The Army also called on residents to remain calm and vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information to aid the rescue operation.
