Zamfara state Police command Sunday deployed tactical teams for a coordinated rescue operation after six Islamic clerics were abducted by armed bandits along the Dakko–Damri feeder Road in Bakura local government area on Friday.
A statement issued Sunday by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on September 12, 2026.
The clerics were travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a meeting with the director general of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, when their vehicle was intercepted by gunmen suspected to be bandits.
The police said the assailants, described as being in possession of sophisticated weapons, laid an ambush on the rural road and forced the victims out of the vehicle before taking them into the surrounding bush.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Bakura Division immediately mobilised personnel to the scene.” .
DSP Yazid noted that response team included operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working alongside other sister security agencies.
“The security teams have commenced an intensive search operation, with the surrounding bushes being thoroughly combed in an effort to locate and rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara state command, CP A. M. Bello, has directed operatives involved in the rescue to intensify efforts and ensure that every available resource is deployed towards the safe rescue of the abducted victims.”
CP Bello also urged residents of Bakura, Talata Mafara and neighboring communities to remain calm but vigilant, and to cooperate with security forces during the operation.
