By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has denied reports that a group of Islamic scholars were abducted at the residence of former Zamfara State governor and Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

The Army, through the Headquarters 8 Division/Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, described the reports circulating on various media platforms as misleading and false.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s residence.

According to the statement, intelligence reports indicated that some persons were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.

The Army said troops, working closely with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

It urged members of the public to disregard what it described as sensationalised narratives and unverified information that could create unnecessary panic or compromise ongoing tactical operations.

The military also called on residents to remain calm and vigilant while providing security agencies with timely and actionable intelligence to support efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted persons.

By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a targeted operation along the Benin–Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on September 12, 2026, at Obaretin Community as troops conducted operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and securing major transportation routes in the area.

According to the Nigerian Army, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and eight rounds of 7.

Other items recovered included a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.

The Army said the suspect and the recovered items remain in its custody as investigations continue to determine his links with other criminal elements and establish his possible involvement in kidnapping and related activities along the route.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to deny criminal groups freedom of action and improve the safety of communities and critical transportation corridors across Edo State.

The Army also said it would continue to work with other security agencies through coordinated operations to strengthen security in the state.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected car snatchers and recovered a Toyota Camry in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.

Edafe said that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday by operatives attached to the Ekpan Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said that the suspects were apprehended at the New Era axis of Jakpa Road, Ekpan Community, where the stolen vehicle was also recovered.

“On Sept. 8, the Ekpan Police Division received a report concerning a Toyota Camry car stolen in Benin City on Monday.

“The operatives embarked on an intelligence-led investigation and trailed the vehicle to the New Era area of Jakpa Road in Ekpan Community.

“The operatives immediately proceeded to the location, sighted the vehicle and laid an ambush, leading to the arrest of the two suspects and recovery of the vehicle,” he said.

Edafe said the suspects were currently in police custody, adding that investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Samuel Erale, had reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks in the state. (NAN)