Three Muslim clerics freed after kidnapping in Zamfara
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
Police in Nigeria’s Zamfara State freed three of six Islamic clerics kidnapped on 12 September while travelling to Talata Mafara. Security forces are continuing their search for the other three captives, with information provided by residents, the NAN news agency reported.
The Zamfara State police commissioner, Muhammad Bello, confirmed on Friday the release of three of the six Islamic clerics kidnapped on 12 September while travelling to Talata Mafara in north-western Nigeria. The operation was conducted jointly by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser, according to Bello, quoted by Daily Post.
The other three clerics remain in the hands of their kidnappers. Security forces are continuing the search with information provided in real time by residents, the commissioner said. A security source involved in the operation told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the released men were not injured; they were in stable condition after medical examinations and a security debriefing.
The six clerics were kidnapped while travelling from the Sububu forest area in Bakura district to attend a special prayer session for the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Their kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of 30 million naira. The three released men are to be handed over to the Zamfara government to reunite with their families.
The release followed the announcement on 30 October of the rescue of three imams kidnapped in Zamfara State.
