Zamfara Says Three of Six Kidnapped Imams Rescued, Search Continues for the Rest

Labels: News, Security, Zamfara, Nigeria (Illustrative image) Security personnel on a rescue operation across a rural savannah landscape at dusk. (Image: Fo) Three of the six imams kidnapped last week in Zamfara State have been freed, according to the state government, which says security agencies are still working to rescue the remaining three. The clerks were seized along with about 30 worshippers when bandits attacked a mosque in the state's Maru Local Government Area, an attack that drew national outrage because it struck a house of worship during prayer. What Happened in the Maru Mosque Attack? Armed men invaded a mosque during prayers in Maru and abducted the six imams together with roughly 30 members of the congregation, Channels Television reported. The attackers were described as bandits operating in the state's rural corridors, where mass abductions for ransom have become a recurring security pattern. The abduction of religious leaders, rather than only villagers or travellers, marked an escalation that security analysts said appeared designed to send a message. How Many Have Been Rescued So Far? The Zamfara State Government confirmed on Sunday, November 1, 2026, that three of the six imams had been rescued, in an operation it credited to coordinated work between the military, police and local vigilante groups, Punch reported. The government said efforts to free the remaining three imams and the other captives are continuing, and asked residents to keep providing information to security agencies. It did not disclose whether any ransom was paid, in line with the state's stated policy of not negotiating with kidnappers. What Is the Wider Security Picture in Zamfara? Zamfara remains one of the states at the centre of Nigeria's banditry crisis, with armed groups carrying out mass abductions, village raids and attacks on travellers along major highways. The federal government has deployed additional troops to the North-West under ongoing joint operations, but communities in the state continue to report fresh incidents weekly. Religious leaders have repeatedly called for stronger protection of worship centres, and last week's mosque attack intensified that demand nationwide. Frequently Asked Questions How many imams were kidnapped in Zamfara? Six imams were seized alongside about 30 worshippers when bandits attacked a mosque in Maru Local Government Area. How many have been rescued? Three of the six imams have been freed, according to the Zamfara State Government, with the remaining three still in captivity. Are the other abductees free? The state government has not confirmed the rescue of the other worshippers; it says operations to free all captives are ongoing. Was a ransom paid? The government has not said. Zamfara maintains a stated policy of not negotiating with kidnappers. Sources: Channels Television, Punch, Premium Times.