Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a significant security development that has brought relief to families and faith communities, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State have successfully rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State earlier this month.
The victims — Reverend Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu — were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area while travelling through Kugosi en route to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony when gunmen seized them.
The DSS mounted an intelligence-driven operation that culminated in the trio’s rescue from a forest hideout in Niger State. They were brought safely to Kaduna, where officials and church leaders received them. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, described the rescue as a “timely, courageous and selfless” intervention by the security agency that brought “tremendous relief” to the families and the affected church communities.
Hayab emphasised that the successful operation has helped restore confidence in national efforts to combat organised criminality, stressing the importance of ongoing cooperation between security agencies and local communities. He noted that insecurity thrives when communities are divided and urged citizens to support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
In a related development, a joint operation between DSS commands in Niger and Kaduna States resulted in the arrest of three suspects believed to be linked to the abduction. These individuals were also implicated in the transportation of arms and ammunition along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna corridor, a route frequently exploited by criminal networks to evade law enforcement.
During interrogation, one of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, claimed he was misled into transporting what he thought was tantalite — a valuable mineral — disguised in sacks of millet to avoid theft. According to investigators, the consignments were passed through middlemen before being transported to an unidentified recipient in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Payments for their roles ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦50,000.
Reacting to the arrests and rescue, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), lauded the DSS for its commitment to protecting lives and property. He reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s dedication to sustaining peace and security and encouraged the public to continue cooperating with security agencies. Shuaibu reiterated that effective security is a shared responsibility that depends on strong collaboration between authorities and citizens.
The successful operation underscores the growing use of coordinated tactics by security agencies in addressing kidnapping and armed banditry, which have continued to plague parts of northern and central Nigeria. These criminal activities have been a major source of fear and disruption for communities, prompting heightened security efforts across multiple fronts, including intelligence sharing, targeted operations, and increased engagement with local populations.
Kidnappings along major travel corridors and rural routes have become a persistent challenge, often compelling travellers and clergy members alike to take extraordinary precautions. Past incidents in the region have at times led to prolonged captivity, ransom demands, and fatalities, deepening public concern and underscoring the need for sustained security responses.
Security experts suggest that operations such as this rescue can help disrupt criminal networks and deter further kidnappings if complemented by broader strategies that address the root causes of banditry and crime, including poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of arms. Strengthening community vigilance and enhancing support for intelligence-led interventions are seen as critical elements in building long-term stability.
The safe return of Rev. Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob and Suleiman Adamu is being welcomed as a rare positive outcome amid ongoing concerns about abductions in the region. Their rescue has provided a measure of hope for families of other victims still in captivity and has reaffirmed calls for unity between security agencies, faith leaders, and citizens in tackling the complex security landscape across Nigeria.
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