Army Speaks On Reported Abduction Of Six Islamic Scholars In Zamfara

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports that six Islamic scholars were abducted at the residence of former Zamfara State governor and senator, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

ccording to Ireporter Online, the Army described the reports circulating across several media platforms as misleading and said the alleged abduction did not take place at Yari’s residence.

The clarification was issued on Sunday, September 13, by the Headquarters 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, signed the statement on behalf of the 8 Division.

Osoba said reports linking the incident to Yari’s residence in Talata Mafara were “entirely false.”

According to the Army, intelligence gathered from the field indicated that the victims were travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara when they were intercepted by suspected bandits.

The Army did not independently confirm the number of people abducted or disclose the identities of the Islamic scholars involved.

It, however, said troops had joined other security agencies and local intelligence networks in efforts to rescue those abducted.

The military urged residents to remain calm and provide timely and credible information to security personnel to support the ongoing rescue operation.

The Army also warned the public against circulating unverified or sensational reports about the incident, saying such information could create unnecessary panic and potentially jeopardise efforts to secure the victims’ release.

Residents were specifically advised to disregard accounts that have not been confirmed by official security authorities, as they could compromise ongoing tactical operations.

Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, is also serving as the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The latest clarification comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara State, where armed banditry and mass kidnappings have continued to pose significant threats to residents.

The Nigerian Army said security agencies remained committed to rescuing the abducted victims and urged members of the public to cooperate with ongoing operations by sharing credible information through appropriate channels.