The Department of State Services (DSS) has recorded major security breakthroughs in Niger and Kaduna states, rescuing abducted clergymen and dismantling an arms trafficking network, even as the wife and daughter of a late Anglican priest who died in captivity regained their freedom after three months.
Operatives of the DSS in Niger State successfully rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State. 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 while travelling through Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony.
The rescued victims were received in Kaduna on Friday 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 safely rescued alive from the bush during ongoing DSS security operations in Niger State.
“This intervention has brought tremendous relief to the church, their families and the Christian community at large,” Hayab said, commending the DSS for what he described as a courageous and timely operation.
According to him, the successful rescue demonstrated that criminal networks could be dismantled through coordinated security efforts and community cooperation. “Criminals thrive where communities are divided,” he added.
In a related development, DSS operatives from Niger and Kaduna State Commands, acting on intelligence, arrested three suspects linked to the abduction and to arms and ammunition trafficking along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
One of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, confessed that the group transported ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to evade security checkpoints. He disclosed that consignments were moved from Tegina Motor Park in Niger State through middlemen before being delivered to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Kwalo admitted receiving ₦50,000 for collecting the consignment, while another suspect, Kawu, earned ₦5,000 as a middleman, and Iro Malam Iro was paid ₦20,000 for conveying the ammunition. However, Kwalo claimed he was deceived into believing the consignment was tantalite concealed in sacks of millet.
Reacting to the operation, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), described it as a clear demonstration of the resolve of security agencies to protect lives and property. He assured residents of the state government’s continued commitment to peace and urged citizens to report suspicious movements.
Meanwhile, the wife and daughter of the late Anglican priest, Ven. Edwin Achi, who died in kidnappers’ custody, have also regained their freedom after spending three months in captivity, bringing some relief to the grieving family and the Christian community.
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