The Department of State Services (DSS) has rescued two pastors and a church member who were kidnapped while travelling from Kaduna State to Niger State to attend a wedding ceremony. The operation also led to the arrest of three suspected kidnappers, according to security sources.
The victims, identified as Pastor Idi Buhari, Pastor Emmanuel Jacob, and a church member, Suleiman Adamu, were abducted on January 9, 2026. They were said to be travelling through the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, en route to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State, when gunmen intercepted their vehicle.
The three men were reportedly on their way to officiate a church wedding when they were taken into the bush by their abductors. Their disappearance sparked concern among church members, families, and Christian leaders across the region, especially given the rising cases of kidnapping along major roads in northern Nigeria.
After days of search and intelligence-led operations, operatives of the DSS in Niger State successfully located the victims and rescued them without loss of life. The rescue took place in a forested area where criminal gangs are known to operate. Three suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently being investigated, security officials said.
The rescued victims were later handed over to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend Joseph Hayab. He received them on behalf of the Christian community and expressed gratitude to the DSS for their efforts.
Speaking shortly after receiving the victims, Hayab confirmed that the pastors and their companion were in good condition, though shaken by their experience. He said they were rescued during ongoing security operations in parts of Niger State aimed at dismantling criminal camps and kidnapping networks.
Hayab praised the DSS for what he described as courageous, timely, and selfless service to the nation. He said the successful rescue brought great relief to the families of the victims, their churches, and the wider Christian community.
“This rescue has given us hope and joy,” Hayab said. “We thank God and we appreciate the DSS for their commitment and bravery. The safe return of these pastors shows that our security agencies can defeat criminal elements if they are supported and encouraged.”
He added that the incident highlighted the importance of cooperation among security agencies, religious leaders, and local communities. According to him, insecurity thrives when people are divided or unwilling to share useful information with authorities.
“Insecurity can only be effectively tackled through cooperation,” Hayab said. “When communities work with security agencies and when faith leaders speak with one voice, criminals will have no hiding place.”
Kidnapping has remained a major security challenge in parts of northern Nigeria, including Kaduna and Niger states. Over the past few years, armed groups have targeted travellers, farmers, students, and religious leaders, often demanding ransom for their release. Highways linking rural communities have become particularly dangerous, forcing many residents to travel in fear or avoid certain routes altogether.
Kaduna State, in particular, has witnessed several high-profile abductions, including attacks on trains, schools, and places of worship. Clerics, both Christian and Muslim, have not been spared, as kidnappers see them as valuable targets due to their influence and the willingness of communities to raise funds for their release.
The DSS, alongside the military, police, and other security agencies, has intensified operations to curb the activities of bandits and kidnappers across the region. These operations include patrols, raids on suspected camps, and intelligence gathering in collaboration with local vigilantes and community leaders.
Residents of Gwagwada and surrounding areas have welcomed the rescue, calling it a positive sign that security efforts are yielding results. Some community members urged the government to sustain the pressure on criminal groups and to improve security along major roads.
