In a significant security breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully rescued three individuals who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State. The rescued victims include two pastors and a member of their church.
Details of the Rescue Operation
The kidnap victims were identified as Revd. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu. They were seized by terrorists on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Council. The abduction occurred while they were traveling through Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State, where they were scheduled to officiate a wedding ceremony.
DSS personnel carried out the rescue during ongoing security operations within Niger State, safely extracting the victims from a bush area. Receiving the freed individuals, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Revd. Joseph Hayab, praised the security agency's efforts.
Officials Commend Security Efforts
Hayab described the DSS action as a courageous, timely, and selfless service to the nation. He emphasized that the successful operation brought immense relief to the victims' families and the broader Christian community. Furthermore, he stated that the safe return has renewed hope that sustained and coordinated security efforts can defeat criminal elements.
Reacting to the development, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the rescue mission reflects the unwavering commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to protecting lives and property. He commended the DSS leadership for its sustained efforts and assured residents that the Kaduna State government, under Governor Uba Sani, remains dedicated to maintaining and sustaining peace.
Shuaibu urged citizens to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility and continued collaboration is critical to curbing criminality across the state.
Separate Incident: Kebbi Police Arrest Man for Alleged Murder
In a related development from Kebbi State, police have arrested a 30-year-old man, Suleman Mamuda, for allegedly killing his wife. The victim, 25-year-old Umaima Maidawa, was reportedly killed in Bayawa village, Augie Local Council.
According to the spokesman of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, the incident occurred on January 13, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m. Preliminary investigations indicate that Mamuda allegedly struck his wife with the wooden handle of a hoe during a domestic altercation, which resulted in her death.
The suspect fled the community after the incident but was later traced and arrested based on investigations and credible information provided by residents. The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Mohammed Hadejia, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.
CP Hadejia also urged the public to promptly report cases of violence and other crimes to security agencies, calling for continued cooperation to enhance peace and security across Kebbi State.
