The Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State has rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State.
The victims, Rev. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu, were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, while on their way to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to attend a wedding ceremony.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, received the rescued pastors in Kaduna on Friday. He stated that the pastors were safely rescued from the bush by DSS operatives during ongoing security operations in Niger State.
“They were rescued alive from the bush by operatives of the DSS. This intervention has brought tremendous relief to the church, their families, and the Christian community at large,” Hayab said.
He praised the DSS for what he characterized as a bold and timely operation, adding that the successful rescue had given hope in the fight against crime.
“This rescue shows that these criminals can be defeated if our security agencies remain coordinated and the people cooperate. Criminals thrive where communities are divided,” he added.
Meanwhile, DSS operatives from the Niger and Kaduna State Commands conducted a joint operation and apprehended three suspects in connection with the incident.
The suspects are also involved in arms and ammunition courier operations along the Kwara-Niger-Katsina-Kaduna route.
Kwalo, one of the suspects, claims that they transport the ammunitions through motor parks and rural highways in order to avoid security checkpoints.
He stated that a cargo was received at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and delivered to Kawu, who then moved it to Iro Malam Iro for further distribution.
Iro was reported to have transported the ammunition from Tegina to the Sabuwa Local Government Area in Katsina State, where it was allegedly transferred to an unidentified receiver after being instructed to take precise routes to avoid discovery.
Kwalo reportedly collected ₦50,000 for collecting the consignment, Kawu earned ₦5,000 as a middleman, and Iro received ₦20,000 as a courier.
However, Kwalo alleged that he was duped into handling the consignment.
“I was told that what I was carrying was tantalite, a precious stone, hidden inside sacks of millet to prevent theft,” he said during interrogation.
In response to the development, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Sule Shuaibu (SAN) praised the operation as a show of security agencies’ dedication to protecting lives and property.
“This operation reflects the resolve of the DSS and other security agencies to rid our communities of criminal elements,” Shuaibu said.
He informed citizens that the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, remained dedicated to maintaining peace and security throughout the state.
Shuaibu urged the people to assist security agents by reporting suspicious movements, emphasizing that “security is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all.”
