By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State have rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State.
The victims, identified as Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu, were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, at Gwagwada in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State while travelling through Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, confirmed that the victims were safely rescued from the bush by DSS operatives during ongoing security operations in Niger State.
Hayab commended the DSS for what he described as courageous, timely, and selfless service, noting that the successful rescue brought immense relief to the church and the families of the victims. He said the development had renewed hope that criminal elements could be defeated through sustained and coordinated security efforts.
He stressed that insecurity could only be effectively tackled through cooperation among security agencies, faith leaders, and the general public, warning that criminals thrive when communities are divided.
Meanwhile, DSS operatives from the Niger and Kaduna State commands, in a joint operation, also arrested three suspects linked to the abduction and alleged arms and ammunition trafficking along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
One of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, reportedly told investigators that ammunition was transported through motor parks and rural routes to evade security checkpoints. He said a consignment was received at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed to Kawu, who later passed it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery.
According to the DSS, Iro conveyed the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was allegedly delivered to an unidentified recipient after he was directed to use specific routes to avoid detection.
Kwalo was said to have received N50,000 for collecting the consignment, while Kawu earned N5,000 as a middleman and Iro was paid N20,000 as a courier. During interrogation, Kwalo claimed he was deceived into handling the consignment, alleging that he was told it contained tantalite concealed in sacks of millet.
Reacting to the rescue and arrests, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the operation reflected the commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to protecting lives and property.
Shuaibu commended the DSS leadership for its sustained efforts and assured residents that the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, remains committed to maintaining and sustaining peace. He urged citizens to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.
