No Cleric Abducted At Yari’s Residence — Army Debunks Viral Report, Says Scholars Abducted On Bakura-Talata Mafara Road

The Headquarters 8 Division, Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, OPFY, has debunked reports that a group of Islamic scholars were abducted at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In a Situation Report signed by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, on September 13, 2026, the Army described the report circulating on various media platforms as misleading.

The Army said it wishes to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s residence.

“The narrative that the abduction took place at the Senator’s residence in Talata Mafara is entirely false,” the statement said.

According to intelligence reports, some persons were abducted while traveling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara.

The Army added that troops in close synergy with sister security agencies and local intelligence networks have intensified efforts to rescue the kidnap victims.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard sensationalized narratives and unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic or compromising ongoing tactical operations.

“Citizens are further urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to continue assisting security forces with timely, actionable intelligence to aid the swift resolution of this threat,” the statement added.