The Nigerian Army confirms that six Islamic scholars are abducted in Zamfara State and says it is responding to the incident with intensified search efforts. In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, acting deputy director of public relations for 8 Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, says the victims are taken while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area toward Talata Mafara.
The Army rejects viral claims that the scholars are kidnapped at the residence of former governor and senator Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area. Multiple outlets report the Army calls those reports misleading and states that intelligence indicates the abduction happens en route rather than at Yari’s residence. The reporting also notes that earlier local accounts described the seizure of six Juma’at imams near Damri village and Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest as they head to a special prayer event.
Police in Zamfara are also cited as confirming the abduction and saying officers step up rescue efforts. Across the coverage, the key difference is the location and circumstances cited in circulating reports—specifically whether the kidnapping occurs at Yari’s home or during travel—while all agree the scholars are abducted and efforts are underway to find them.
