The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of three out of six Islamic clerics abducted while travelling to Talata Mafara on September 12.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, disclosed this during an interview with selected journalists in Gusau on Friday.
Bello said the rescue was carried out through a joint security operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that security operatives were still making efforts to secure the release of the remaining three clerics held by the kidnappers.
According to him, the ongoing operation is being strengthened by real-time intelligence and information provided by residents of surrounding communities to help security agencies track down the perpetrators.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the three clerics were freed through an intelligence-driven operation involving the 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 alleging that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari.
The clerics were reportedly on their way to attend a special prayer session organised to seek divine intervention and blessings for President Bola Tinubu’s administration when they were abducted.
Their captors were said to have demanded a ransom of N30 million.
A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation disclosed that the three victims were released without sustaining injuries.
NAN further reported that the rescued clerics were in stable condition after undergoing medical examinations and security debriefing.
The rescued victims are expected to be handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.
Meanwhile, the police command assured residents that operations to rescue the remaining three clerics would continue.
The command also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
