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—Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamuwere kidnapped on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. They were travelling from Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony when they were seized.
The rescued pastors were received by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, who said they were freed during ongoing DSS security operations in Niger State.
Hayab commended the DSS for what he described as courageous, timely and selfless service, noting that the successful operation brought relief to the victims’ families and the Christian community.
“Their safe return has renewed hope that criminal elements can be defeated through sustained and coordinated security efforts,” he said, adding that insecurity could only be effectively addressed through cooperation among security agencies, faith leaders and the public.
He warned that criminals thrive when communities are divided and urged citizens to support security agencies with timely information.
Suspects arrested
Meanwhile, DSS operatives from the Niger and Kaduna State commands, in a joint operation, also arrested three suspects linked to the abduction. The suspects were said to be involved in the transportation of arms and ammunition along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
One of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, told investigators that the group moved ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to avoid security checkpoints.
According to him, the consignment was received at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed over to Kawu, who passed it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery.
Iro allegedly transported the ammunition to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was delivered to an unidentified recipient after being directed to use specific routes to evade detection.
Investigators said Kwalo received ₦50,000 for collecting the consignment, Kawu earned ₦5,000 as a middleman, while Iro was paid ₦20,000 as a courier.
During interrogation, Kwalo claimed he was deceived into handling the consignment, alleging that the sender told him it contained tantalite, concealed in sacks of millet to prevent theft.
Kaduna govt reacts
Reacting to the rescue and arrests, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the operation demonstrated 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, remained committed to maintaining and sustaining peace.
He urged residents to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility and that continued collaboration is vital to curbing criminality.
