Monday, September 14, 2026 - Armed gunmen have kidnapped six imams in Nigeria’s northern Zamfara State, police said, in the latest incident highlighting the growing threat posed by criminal gangs seeking ransom payments.
The clerics were travelling to Talata Mafara when their vehicle was intercepted by armed attackers along the Dakko-Damri feeder road.
The abduction has renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently target travellers, communities and religious leaders.
The six imams were reportedly heading to a religious gathering linked to former Zamfara governor and senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari. Police said security forces have launched an intensive search operation and are combing surrounding areas in an effort to rescue the victims.
Kidnapping remains a major security and economic challenge in Nigeria, with criminal groups using ransom payments to finance their operations.
Authorities have urged residents to provide credible information that could assist the rescue effort as pressure grows on security agencies to prevent further abductions and restore safety across affected communities.
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