Kaduna Church abductees freed as hunt for other captives continues

Eighty-two worshippers abducted during a church service in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation involving the Kaduna State Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Department of State Services (DSS)

Governor Uba Sani confirmed the development during a visit to the rescued victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently undergoing medical evaluation and receiving psychosocial support to help them recover from the trauma of their ordeal.

The worshippers were kidnapped on January 18, 2026, when armed bandits invaded Kurmin Wali village during a church service, sparking widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of southern Kaduna. Initial reports after the attack indicated that about 177 people were taken hostage during the raid.

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Speaking with the freed victims, Governor Sani expressed deep sympathy over the traumatic experience they endured and reassured the Kurmin Wali community that the government remains fully committed to securing the release of those still being held captive.

“No effort will be spared until all those still in captivity are rescued and reunited with their families,” the governor said, adding that security operations in the area had been intensified to track down the perpetrators and dismantle their networks.

Governor Sani praised the collaborative efforts of the state’s security architecture, ONSA, DSS, and other security agencies, describing the operation that led to the rescue as professional and intelligence-driven. He noted that sustained inter-agency cooperation was yielding results in the state’s fight against banditry and kidnapping.

The governor also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to restoring lasting peace and security across Kaduna State.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the safety of lives and property, while assuring affected communities that the government would not relent until all victims are accounted for and normalcy fully restored.