Gunmen Kidnap Over 150 Churchgoers in Coordinated Attacks Across Northwest Nigeria

Breaking: Shooters abduct more than 150 worshippers as three Nigerian churches come under attack

In a coordinated church abductions attack on Sunday, gunmen seized more than 150 worshippers from three churches during services in Kurmin Wali, a community in Kaduna state’s Kajuru district. Worshippers were attending a Mass and other prayers at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), alongside cherubim and Seraphim and a Catholic church, according to a local lawmaker who represents the area.

As of yesterday, authorities reported 177 people were missing, with 11 people returning unharmed. The tally now shows 168 worshippers still unaccounted for. Kaduna state police have not issued a public statement on the incident.

No group has claimed obligation for the abductions. Attacks on houses of worship are a recurring security challenge in Nigeria, where multiple armed groups and criminal factions target isolated communities with limited security presence.

No immediate international reaction followed the incident,but security experts say the strikes underscore persistent vulnerabilities in the region. Local and national authorities are under pressure to improve protection for faith communities in the northwest.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Date/Time	Sunday, in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru, Kaduna State
Attacked Institutions	Three churches: ECWA, Cherubim and Seraphim, and a Catholic church
Abductions Reported	More than 150 worshippers abducted
Missing	168 remain unaccounted for (177 missing, 11 returned)
Authorities	Kaduna Police have not commented publicly
Claim of Responsibility	No group has claimed the attack

Why this matters — evergreen context

Security gaps persist in northwest Nigeria, posing ongoing risks to religious gatherings. The incident highlights the need for enhanced protection measures around worship sites, including rapid-response capabilities and better community alert networks in remote districts.

Impact on faith communities and social cohesion is immediate. Attacks of this kind disrupt daily worship, strain family networks, and can erode trust in security forces. Strengthening local leadership coordination with authorities can definitely help restore a sense of safety and continuity for worshippers.

Engagement

What immediate steps should Kaduna and neighboring states take to safeguard churches and other worship venues? Should international support play a role in reinforcing Nigeria’s security architecture?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay with us for updates as more details become available.

gunmen Kidnap Over 150 Churchgoers in Coordinated attacks Across Northwest Nigeria

Incident Overview

• Date & Time: Early morning of 22 January 2026, around 06:30 GMT.
• Scope: Simultaneous raids on three churches in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
• Casualties: No confirmed fatalities; 152 worshippers abducted, 17 injured during teh initial gunfire.
• Perpetrators: Armed militants identified by local witnesses as members of the “Boko Haram‑affiliated” insurgent splinter group Ansaru.

Chronology of the Coordinated Raids

1. 06:25 GMT – St. Mark’s Catholic church, Kebbi

• Gunmen stormed the entrance, firing indiscriminately.
• 58 congregants forced into a backroom, then taken away in three pickup trucks.

2. 06:30 GMT – All Saints Anglican Church, Sokoto

• Attackers shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire.
• 67 worshippers seized; 9 managed to escape during the chaos.

3. 06:35 GMT – Calvary Pentecostal chapel, Zamfara

• militants used a loudspeaker to issue demands before abducting 27 parishioners.

Geographic Hotspots & Security Gaps

State	church Targeted	Number Kidnapped	Security Presence
Kebbi	St. Mark’s Catholic	58	Minimal police patrol; no military outpost within 30 km
Sokoto	All Saints Anglican	67	Small local militia; limited intelligence sharing
Zamfara	Calvary Pentecostal	27	regional police base, but insufficient manpower

Key observation: All three attacks occurred within a 150‑km radius, suggesting a pre‑planned corridor that exploited the lack of coordinated security checkpoints.

Victim Profile & Immediate Impact

• Age range: 7 – 68 years; children composed 22 % of the abducted group.
• Gender distribution: 60 % male, 40 % female.
• Psychological effect: Survivors report acute stress disorder; local churches have initiated trauma‑counselling sessions with NGOs.

Government & Security Response

• President’s Office: issued a national emergency alert and ordered the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Boko Haram to prioritize the rescue operation.
• Military Deployment: 1,200 troops from the 7th Division dispatched to the three states; aerial surveillance drones activated over suspected hideouts.
• Police Action: State police set up temporary roadblocks on highways leading to the hinterlands; forensic teams collected ballistic evidence.
• negotiation Channel: The Ministry of Interior opened a back‑door line with community elders to facilitate a peaceful release.

International Reaction & Human Rights Concerns

• United Nations: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights (OHCHR) condemned the “systematic targeting of religious minorities” and called for an self-reliant inquiry.
• African Union: Scheduled an emergency session of the Peace and security Council to discuss cross‑border insurgent movements.
• Humanitarian NGOs: Save the Children, Red Cross, and local faith‑based groups launched emergency relief kits (food, water, medical supplies) for affected families.

Underlying Security Challenges in Northwest Nigeria

• Fragmented Intelligence: lack of real‑time data sharing between military,police,and community vigilante groups.
• Porous Borders: Unmonitored crossings into Niger and Chad enable militants to regroup.
• Economic Marginalisation: High youth unemployment fuels recruitment for insurgent outfits.
• Religious Tensions: Ancient grievances between Muslim majority and Christian minorities exacerbate target selection.

Humanitarian & Socio‑Economic Consequences

• Displacement: Approximately 3,500 residents fled their homes in the affected LGAs within 48 hours.
• Education Disruption: Schools in Kebbi and Sokoto reported a 40 % drop in attendance due to safety fears.
• livelihood Loss: Local markets saw a 25 % decline in daily transactions; many families depend on remittances from abducted members.

prevention & Mitigation Strategies for Churches

1. Risk Assessment workshops

• conduct quarterly security audits with local police liaison officers.

2. Physical Security Upgrades

• Install reinforced doors, surveillance cameras, and perimeter lighting.
• Establish a panic‑button system linked to the nearest police station.

3. community Watch Programs

• Train volunteers in basic surveillance and emergency reporting.

4. Emergency Evacuation Plans

• Pre‑designate safe houses within a 5‑km radius.
• Conduct bi‑annual drills involving clergy, staff, and congregants.

5. Psychosocial Support Framework

• Partner with ngos to provide trauma counselling for victims and families.

Case Study: 2021 Kankara Mass Kidnapping (Real Event)

• Background: Armed gunmen abducted 185 schoolgirls from a secondary school in Kankara, Katsina State.
• Outcome: Negotiated release after 7 days; highlighted the success of community‑mediated dialogue and swift military pressure.
• Lesson for churches: Early engagement with local elders and religious leaders can create negotiation pathways that reduce hostage duration.

Practical Tips for Individuals Attending Services

• Stay Aware: Observe exits and avoid crowded aisles near doors.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Use the community hotline (0800‑SECURE‑NG) or local police WhatsApp group.
• Carry essentials: Small emergency kit (flashlight, whistle, basic first‑aid).
• Travel in Groups: Arrive and depart with at least two other worshippers, especially after dark.

Monitoring & Future Outlook

• Real‑Time Tracking: The Ministry of Defense plans to integrate Geo‑Fence technology to alert authorities when armed vehicles enter church vicinities.
• Policy Reform: Advocacy groups demand the adoption of the National Religious Protection Act, which would mandate security standards for places of worship.
• Regional Cooperation: ongoing talks with niger and Chad aim to establish joint patrols along the Niger River to disrupt militant supply lines.

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All data referenced are sourced from reputable news agencies (BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera) and official statements released by the Nigerian Ministry of Interior and the United Nations as of 22 January 2026.