Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State have rescued two ECWA pastors and a church member abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State.
The victims—Rev. Idi Buhari, Rev. Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu—were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area while travelling through Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony.
Receiving the rescued pastors, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the DSS safely recovered the victims from the bush during ongoing security operations in Niger State.
Hayab commended the DSS for its “courageous, timely, and selfless service to the nation,” noting that the successful rescue brought immense relief to both the church and the families of the victims. He added that the operation renewed hope that criminal elements could be defeated through sustained and coordinated security efforts.
The CAN chairman emphasized that insecurity can only be effectively tackled through cooperation among security agencies, faith leaders, and the public, warning that criminals thrive when communities remain divided.
Meanwhile, DSS operatives from Niger and Kaduna State commands, working jointly, also arrested three suspects linked to the incident. The suspects are reportedly involved in the transport of arms and ammunition along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
During interrogation, one suspect, Kwalo, admitted receiving a consignment at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State, which he handed to Kawu, who then passed it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery. Iro reportedly transported the ammunition to Sabuwa Local Government Area in Katsina State, delivering it to an unidentified recipient while following specific routes to evade detection.
Kwalo claimed he was misled into handling the consignment, believing it contained tantalite—a precious stone—hidden in sacks of millet. Payments for the operation included N50,000 for Kwalo, N5,000 for Kawu, and N20,000 for Iro.
Reacting to the rescue and arrests, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), described the operation as a demonstration of DSS and security agencies’ commitment to protecting lives and property.
Shuaibu commended DSS leadership for its sustained efforts and assured residents that the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, remains committed not only to maintaining peace but also to sustaining it. He urged citizens to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility and that collaboration is key to curbing criminality across the state.
