The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of three out of six Islamic clerics who were kidnapped while travelling to Talata Mafara on September 12.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, confirmed the development during an interview with selected journalists in Gusau on Friday.
He said the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Bello explained that security operatives were still working to secure the release of the remaining three clerics who are being held by their abductors.
He added that the ongoing operation was being supported by real-time intelligence from members of local communities to help security agencies track down the criminals.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reported that the three clerics were rescued through an intelligence-led operation involving ONSA, DSS and the police.
The Nigerian Army had earlier confirmed that the six Islamic scholars were abducted while travelling from the Sububu Forest area of Bakura Local Government Area to Talata Mafara.
The Army also dismissed reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari.
The clerics were reportedly travelling to attend a special prayer session organised to seek divine favour for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Their abductors were said to have demanded a ransom of N30 million.
A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation disclosed that the three clerics were freed without sustaining injuries.
NAN further reported that they were in stable condition after undergoing medical checks and security debriefing.
The rescued clerics are expected to be handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.
The police assured residents that efforts to rescue the remaining victims would continue, while urging members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies to help tackle banditry and other criminal activities in the region.