Operatives of the Division of State Companies (DSS) have rescued two pastors and a church member kidnapped by armed bandits in Kaduna state.
The victims have been recognized as Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob and Suleiman Adamu.
They have been kidnapped on January 9, 2026, at Gwagwada in Chikun native authorities space of Kaduna state whereas travelling by Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger state to officiate a marriage ceremony.
Receiving the rescued victims in Kaduna on Friday, John Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Christian Affiliation of Nigeria (CAN) within the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory, stated they have been rescued alive by DSS operatives.
“They have been rescued alive from the bush by operatives of the DSS. This intervention has introduced large reduction to the church, their households and the Christian neighborhood at massive,” he stated.
Hayab counseled the DSS for what he described as a brave and well timed operation.
“This rescue reveals that these criminals could be defeated if our safety companies stay coordinated and the folks cooperate. Criminals thrive the place communities are divided,” Hayab added.
The DSS stated operatives from the Niger and Kaduna state instructions additionally arrested three suspects linked to the kidnapping.
The suspects have been stated to be concerned in arms and ammunition courier actions alongside the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
One of many suspects, recognized as Kwalo, stated the ammunition was transported by motor parks and rural routes to evade safety checkpoints.
He stated a consignment was obtained at Tegina motor park in Niger state and handed to Kawu, who later transferred it to Iro Malam Iro for onward supply.
The DSS stated Iro conveyed the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa native authorities space of Katsina state, the place it was delivered to an unidentified recipient.
Kwalo was stated to have obtained ₦50,000 for accumulating the consignment, whereas Kawu earned ₦5,000 and Iro ₦20,000 as courier charges.
Kwalo claimed he was deceived into dealing with the consignment.
“I used to be advised that what I used to be carrying was tantalite, a treasured stone, hidden inside sacks of millet to forestall theft,” he stated throughout interrogation.
Reacting to the event, Sule Shuaibu, commissioner for inner safety and residential affairs in Kaduna state, described the operation as proof of the dedication of safety companies.
“This operation displays the resolve of the DSS and different safety companies to rid our communities of legal components,” Shuaibu stated.
He stated the Kaduna state authorities, beneath Uba Sani, stays dedicated to sustaining peace and safety.