DSS Rescues Kidnapped Pastors, Arrests Three Suspects in Niger Operation

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rescued two pastors and a church member abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State and arrested three suspects linked to the incident.

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. They were travelling from Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding when they were abducted.

The victims were rescued during ongoing DSS security operations in Niger State. They were received by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, who confirmed that they were recovered safely from the bush.

Rev. Hayab commended the DSS for the operation, describing it as timely and effective. He said the rescue brought relief to the families and the Christian community, and demonstrated that coordinated security efforts could weaken criminal networks.

He added that addressing insecurity requires collaboration among security agencies, religious leaders, and local communities, warning that divisions within communities create opportunities for criminals.

In a related development, DSS operatives from the Niger and Kaduna State commands, working jointly, arrested three suspects connected to the kidnapping and to arms and ammunition trafficking along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna corridor.

One of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, told investigators that the group transported ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to avoid security checkpoints. He disclosed that a consignment was received at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed to Kawu, who then passed it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery.

According to the DSS, Iro transported the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was delivered to an unidentified recipient after he was instructed to use specific routes to evade detection.

Investigators said Kwalo was paid ₦50,000 for collecting the consignment, Kawu received ₦5,000 as an intermediary, while Iro earned ₦20,000 for transporting it.

During interrogation, Kwalo claimed he was misled about the contents of the consignment, alleging that he was told it contained tantalite, a mineral concealed in sacks of millet to prevent theft.

Reacting to the rescue and arrests, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, said the operation reflected the resolve of the DSS and other security agencies to protect lives and property.

Shuaibu commended the DSS leadership and assured residents that the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani remains committed to maintaining and sustaining peace. He urged citizens to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly, noting that public cooperation is essential to curbing criminal activities.