Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State have successfully rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.
The victims—Rev. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu—were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, at Gwagwada in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State while travelling through Kugosi en route to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony.
Receiving the rescued victims in Kaduna on Friday, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, confirmed that the pastors were freed during ongoing security operations by DSS operatives in Niger State.
“They were rescued alive from the bush by operatives of the DSS. This intervention has brought immense relief to their families, the church, and the Christian community,” Hayab said.
He praised the DSS for what he described as a bold and timely operation, noting that the rescue had restored public confidence in the fight against criminality.
“This shows that these criminals can be defeated when security agencies work in synergy and communities cooperate. Criminals thrive where there is division,” he added.
Meanwhile, DSS operatives from the Niger and Kaduna State Commands, working jointly, also arrested three suspects linked to the kidnapping and alleged to be involved in arms and ammunition trafficking along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna corridor.
One of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, disclosed that the group transported ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to avoid security checkpoints. He revealed that a consignment was initially received at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed over to Kawu, who later transferred it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery.
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According to Kwalo, Iro transported the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was allegedly delivered to an unidentified recipient after being directed to use specific routes to evade detection.
He further disclosed that he received ₦50,000 for collecting the consignment, while Kawu earned ₦5,000 as an intermediary and Iro was paid ₦20,000 as the courier.
Kwalo, however, claimed he was misled about the contents of the consignment.
“I was told it was tantalite, a precious stone, concealed inside sacks of millet to prevent theft,” he said during interrogation.
Reacting to the development, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), described the operation as a clear demonstration of the resolve of security agencies to protect lives and property.
“This operation reflects the commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to flushing out criminal elements from our communities,” Shuaibu stated.
He assured residents that the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, remains dedicated to sustaining peace and security across the state, while urging members of the public to report suspicious movements.
“Security is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all,” he added.
