Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State have rescued two pastors and a church member who were kidnapped by armed bandits in Kaduna State.
The victims, identified as Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu, were abducted on January 9, 2026, at Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area.
They were travelling through Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony when they were attacked.
Receiving the rescued pastors, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, confirmed that they were rescued alive from the bush by DSS operatives during ongoing security operations in Niger State.
Hayab praised the DSS for what he described as courageous, timely, and selfless service to the nation, noting that the successful operation brought great relief to the church and families of the victims.
He said the safe return of the abducted pastors had renewed hope that criminal elements could be defeated through sustained and coordinated security efforts.
The CAN chairman also stressed that insecurity can only be effectively tackled through cooperation among security agencies, faith leaders, and the general public, warning that criminals thrive when communities are divided.
Meanwhile, operatives of the DSS from Niger and Kaduna State Commands, working jointly, arrested three suspects linked to the kidnapping.
The suspects were also said to be involved in the transportation of arms and ammunition along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
One of the suspects, Kwalo, told investigators that they moved ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to avoid security checkpoints.
He said a consignment was collected at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed over to Kawu, who later passed it to Iro Malam Iro for delivery.
According to the suspect, Iro transported the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was delivered to an unidentified person after he was instructed to use specific routes to avoid detection. Kwalo received N50,000, Kawu earned N5,000, while Iro was paid N20,000 for their roles.
Reacting to the development, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the operation showed the commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to protecting lives and property.
He urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.
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