Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rescued two pastors and a church member abducted by suspected bandits in Kaduna State, while also arresting three suspects linked to arms and ammunition trafficking.

The victims — Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu — were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, at Gwagwada in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. They were abducted while travelling through Kugosi en route to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab, confirmed that the victims were safely rescued from the bush by DSS operatives during ongoing security operations in parts of Niger State.

Hayab praised the DSS for what he described as a courageous, timely, and selfless intervention, noting that the successful operation brought immense relief to the church and families of the abducted victims. He said the rescue had renewed hope that sustained and coordinated security efforts could defeat criminal elements.

The CAN chairman stressed that insecurity could only be effectively addressed through close collaboration among security agencies, faith-based organisations, and the public, warning that criminals thrive where communities are divided.

Meanwhile, operatives of the DSS in Niger and Kaduna states, acting on intelligence, arrested three suspects allegedly connected to the kidnapping and to arms and ammunition courier activities along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.

One of the suspects, identified as Kwalo, reportedly confessed that the syndicate transported ammunition through motor parks and remote rural routes to evade security checkpoints. He disclosed that a consignment was received at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed to Kawu, who later transferred it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery.

Investigations revealed that Iro conveyed the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was allegedly delivered to an unidentified recipient after being directed to use specific routes to avoid detection.

Kwalo was said to have received N50,000 for collecting the consignment, while Kawu earned N5,000 as a middleman and Iro received N20,000 as a courier. During interrogation, Kwalo claimed he was deceived into handling the consignment, alleging that he was told it contained tantalite concealed in sacks of millet to prevent theft.

Reacting to the rescue and arrests, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the operation underscored the commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to safeguarding lives and property.

Shuaibu commended the DSS leadership for its sustained efforts and assured residents that the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, remains resolute not only in maintaining peace but in sustaining it. He urged citizens to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.