DSS Rescues Two Pastors and Arrests Three Suspects in Niger

Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully freed a pair of pastors along with a church member, who had been taken hostage by suspected bandits in Kaduna State, and have detained three individuals linked to the crime in Niger State.

The victims identified as Rev. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu were abducted on January 9, 2026, at Gwagwada in the Chikun Local Government Area while on their way to conduct a wedding ceremony at Sarkin Pawa in Niger State via Kugosi.

The rescue operation executed by DSS personnel was part of ongoing security efforts in Niger State. Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, received the rescued individuals.

Rev. Hayab praised the DSS for their prompt and brave action, stating that the rescue provided comfort to both the church and the families affected by the abduction.

He mentioned that this incident has reignited confidence that persistent and coordinated security initiatives can counter criminal activities, emphasizing that insecurity finds footing in divided communities.

Additionally, agents from the DSS in both Niger and Kaduna states collaborated to apprehend three suspects alleged to have participated in the kidnapping, as well as in arms trafficking along the corridor connecting Kwara, Niger, Katsina, and Kaduna.

One suspect, named Kwalo, confessed to transporting ammunition via motor parks and rural routes to bypass security checks. He indicated that the shipment arrived at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and was handed over to Kawu, who passed it to Iro Malam Iro for further distribution.

Iro is said to have transported the arms from Tegina to the Sabuwa Local Government Area in Katsina State, where he delivered it to an unidentified person after being instructed to take specific paths to avoid detection.

According to reports, Kwalo received N50,000 for his role in accepting the parcel, while Kawu was paid N5,000 as an intermediary, and Iro received N20,000 as the courier.

During questioning, Kwalo claimed he had been tricked into dealing with the parcel, as he was led to believe it contained tantalite concealed within sacks of millet.

In response to these events, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, remarked that this operation underscores the determination of the DSS and other security forces to safeguard lives and properties.

He reassured residents that the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, is dedicated to maintaining peace and urged citizens to assist security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities immediately.