Army Clarifies Zamfara Abduction, Says Yari’s Residence Was Not Crime Scene

By Opeyemi Adelakun

The Nigerian Army has rejected reports linking the abduction of Islamic scholars in Zamfara State to the residence of former governor and Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

The Army said the reported location of the incident was incorrect, stressing that no cleric was abducted at Yari’s residence.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, made the clarification in a statement on Sunday.

Osoba said the military was responding to reports circulating across various media platforms, which he described as misleading and inaccurate.

He explained that available intelligence indicated that the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.

“No cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s residence,” Osoba stated.

The Army said security forces had commenced efforts to locate the victims and secure their release.

According to the statement, troops working alongside other security agencies and local intelligence networks have intensified operations within the affected area.

The clarification comes amid persistent kidnapping and other criminal activities in parts of Zamfara, where forest routes have continued to pose security challenges.

The Army urged residents and members of the public to exercise caution over information circulating about ongoing security operations.

Osoba specifically warned against the spread of sensationalised or unverified accounts that could create panic or interfere with tactical operations.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard sensationalised narratives and unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic or compromising ongoing tactical operations,” he said.

The military also appealed to traditional and community leaders to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in locating the abducted persons.

The Army said Headquarters 8 Division and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, remained committed to protecting civilians and disrupting the activities of criminal elements operating across the North-West.

It further called for continued cooperation from residents as security agencies intensify efforts to address insecurity in the region.