The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of a group of Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, but denied reports that they were abducted at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
In a statement issued on 13th September 2026, the Headquarters 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, described the claim circulating on various media platforms as “misleading” and “entirely false.”
The statement was signed by Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division.
“We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no Cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s Residence. The narrative that the abduction took place at the Senator’s residence in Talata Mafara is entirely false,” the statement read.
What Really Happened
According to the Army, intelligence reports confirm that some persons were abducted while traveling from the Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara.
The statement did not specify the number of persons abducted or their identities.
The Army said troops, in “close synergy with sister security agencies and local intelligence networks,” have intensified efforts to rescue the kidnap victims.
Call for Accurate Information
The Command urged members of the public to disregard “sensationalized narratives and unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic or compromising ongoing tactical operations.”
Citizens were further advised to “remain calm, vigilant, and to continue assisting security forces with timely, actionable intelligence to aid the swift resolution of this threat.”
Sububu forest in Bakura LGA has been identified by security agencies as one of the major hideouts of bandits operating across Zamfara and neighboring states in the North-West.
