Operatives of the Department of State Services have rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by suspected bandits while travelling from Kaduna to Niger State.
The victims, identified as Rev. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob and Suleiman Adamu, were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
They were said to be en route to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony when they were seized.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, confirmed that the victims were rescued during ongoing security operations by the DSS in Niger State.
“They were rescued alive from the bush by operatives of the DSS. This intervention has brought great relief to their families, the church and the Christian community,” Hayab said.
He commended the security agency for what he described as a timely and courageous operation, adding that the rescue demonstrated that criminal elements could be defeated through coordinated security efforts.
“This operation shows that criminals can be overcome if security agencies work together and communities cooperate. Criminals thrive where there is division,” he added.
Meanwhile, DSS operatives from the Niger and Kaduna State Commands, in a joint operation, also arrested three suspects allegedly linked to arms and ammunition trafficking along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
One of the suspects reportedly told investigators that the group moved ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to evade security checkpoints.
According to him, consignments were received at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and passed through multiple couriers before delivery.
The suspect claimed he was misled about the contents of one of the consignments.
“I was told what I was carrying was tantalite, hidden inside sacks of millet to prevent theft,” he said during interrogation.
Reacting to the development, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), described the operation as a clear demonstration of the resolve of security agencies to protect lives and property.
“This operation reflects the commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to rid our communities of criminal elements,” Shuaibu said.
He assured residents that the Kaduna State Government remained committed to sustaining peace and security, while urging members of the public to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and public cooperation is critical to winning the fight against crime,” he added.
