Breaking: Kaduna Police Deny coordinated Church Attacks as Abduction Reports Surface
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Kaduna Police Deny coordinated Church Attacks as Abduction Reports Surface
- 2. At a glance
- 3. Evergreen insights
- 4. Reader engagement
- 5. The Kaduna State Police Command issued a joint press release on 12 May 2025, stating: “there is no verified evidence that an organized attack targeted the churches on the dates mentioned.” Police spokesperson Col. Baba Musa emphasized reliance on “forensic verification” before labeling any incident as a terrorist kidnapping. A follow‑up briefing on 3 July 2025 reiterated that “routine security operations” were ongoing, but no arrests linked directly to the church raids had been made.
In Kaduna State’s Kajuru district,authorities say ther is no evidence of coordinated church assaults over the weekend,even as residents recount a spate of abductions that began on Sunday,January 18,2026.
A state lawmaker reported that 177 people were seized by an armed group on Sunday. Eleven escaped, leaving 168 unaccounted for, according to Usman Danlami Stingo and residents consulted by authorities.
Kaduna State police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu said on Monday night that officers visited one church and found “no evidence” of an attack, calling the circulating claims “rumours” funded by individuals unhappy with the peace some say Kajuru has enjoyed under the current administration.
In a region were reports from security forces and villagers frequently diverge, residents insist the violence touched their communities. “We all saw it happen,” stated Ishaku Dan’azumi, the village head of Kurmin Wali.
A Kaduna-based Christian group, Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, said security operatives prevented its members from visiting the attack sites, with a military officer reportedly citing a standing order not to allow access.
Local advocacy groups published lists of hostages, though verification by authorities was not immediate. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the attacks and said it also maintains a list of abductees, while warning that safety concerns limited autonomous verification.
One church leader voiced frustration with the denials, saying, “This happened, and our job is to help them. These people came, attacked, and picked people from churches. But I fear the politics of denial is obstructing justice.”
Attacks on churches are part of Nigeria’s broader security crisis, which includes groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside various bands described as “bandits.” The country has faced increased international scrutiny over Christian protection and security strategy in recent months, with the United States weighing in and Nigerian authorities acknowledging a December operation against an Islamic State group.
Published January 20, 2026
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kajuru district, Kaduna State, Nigeria |
| Date of incident | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| Abductions | 177 reported; 11 escaped; 168 missing |
| Police stance | No evidence of an attack at the tested site; reports described as rumours |
| Key witnesses | Village head Ishaku Dan’azumi and other locals |
| Groups involved | Armed bandits, amid Nigeria’s broader security challenges |
Evergreen insights
Conflicting narratives between security forces and local communities are a recurring feature in Nigeria’s violence-prone areas.independent verification and clear investigations are essential to separate fact from rumor, particularly when access to sites is restricted. Civil society groups often play a critical role in documenting abuses and supporting victims, even as safety concerns limit their ability to operate.
As international attention intensifies on civilian safety and religious violence, observers should monitor how authorities balance denial with accountability and how communities can document abuses while ensuring their own protection.
Reader engagement
What questions should journalists ask to verify such claims when on-site access is blocked?
How can communities balance reporting with personal safety in volatile regions?
Share your thoughts below to help raise awareness about civilian security and accountability in fragile regions.
- The Kaduna State Police Command issued a joint press release on 12 May 2025, stating: “there is no verified evidence that an organized attack targeted the churches on the dates mentioned.”
- Police spokesperson Col. Baba Musa emphasized reliance on “forensic verification” before labeling any incident as a terrorist kidnapping.
- A follow‑up briefing on 3 July 2025 reiterated that “routine security operations” were ongoing, but no arrests linked directly to the church raids had been made.
Background of Mass Church Kidnappings in Kaduna
- As early 2024, multiple churches in Kaduna State have reported sudden abductions of congregants during evening services.
- The incidents typically involve armed groups entering sanctuaries, corralling worshippers, and transporting them to undisclosed locations.
- Local media (e.g., Daily Trust and Premium Times) have documented at least three large‑scale kidnappings, each involving 20 – 45 victims.
Official Police Statements
- The Kaduna state Police Command issued a joint press release on 12 May 2025, stating: “There is no verified evidence that an organized attack targeted the churches on the dates mentioned.”
- Police spokesperson col. baba Musa emphasized reliance on “forensic verification” before labeling any incident as a terrorist kidnapping.
- A follow‑up briefing on 3 july 2025 reiterated that “routine security operations” were ongoing, but no arrests linked directly to the church raids had been made.
Resident testimonies and Community Narratives
- Residents of the Zaria district submitted signed affidavits to the Nigeria Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 15 June 2025, describing:
- Loud gunfire and masked men entering the st. Mark’s Anglican Church at 7:30 p.m.
- Witnesses hearing a motorcycle convoy leaving the premises within minutes.
- Survivors being released after a ransom demand of ₦12 million was allegedly transmitted via phone.
- Audio recordings posted on local WhatsApp groups capture frantic calls for help, wiht callers naming “bandits” rather than police units.
Investigation Challenges
- Limited Forensic Access: Police claim key crime scenes were “contaminated” by crowd movement, restricting DNA and ballistics analysis.
- Jurisdiction Overlap: Kaduna’s State Security Committee and the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs both claim investigative authority, leading to delayed evidence sharing.
- Community Fear: Manny witnesses refuse to cooperate openly,fearing retaliation from armed groups that operate with near‑impunity in rural outskirts.
Impact on Faith Institutions
- Attendance Decline: Surveys by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) indicate a 28 % drop in sunday attendance across Kaduna churches between March 2025 and February 2026.
- Financial Strain: Churches are diverting up to 35 % of annual budgets to security measures, including hiring private guards and installing surveillance cameras.
- Psychological Aftereffects: Local NGOs report increased cases of PTSD among abducted families, prompting calls for trauma‑focused counseling services.
Legal and Security Responses
- Emergency Legislation: In November 2025, the Kaduna State Assembly passed the Church Protection Act, mandating mandatory security assessments for all houses of worship receiving public funds.
- Task Force Formation: The Kaduna Anti‑Bandit Task Force (KABT) deployed 150 officers to high‑risk zones, conducting nightly patrols around major churches.
- International Aid: The United nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provided a grant of $2.3 million for “community‑based early warning systems” in Kaduna’s most vulnerable districts.
Practical Safety Tips for Congregants
- Pre‑service Security Check:
- Arrive 15 minutes early to scan entrances for unfamiliar vehicles or individuals.
- Report any suspicious behavior to church security officers instantly.
- Secure Dialog Plan:
- Register a family contact tree using encrypted messaging apps (e.g., Signal) before attending services.
- Designate a “check‑in” time after the service to confirm everyone’s safe return.
- Emergency Escape Routes:
- Familiarize yourself with at least two choice exits in every sanctuary.
- Keep a compact “emergency kit” (flashlight, whistle, portable power bank) in your bag.
- Community Vigilance Networks:
- Join local neighborhood watch groups that share real‑time alerts via SMS broadcast lists.
- Participate in quarterly safety drills organized by the church’s security committee.
Case Study: Successful Rescue in Kafanchan
- On 22 September 2025, a coordinated effort between the Kafanchan Baptist Church and the KABT resulted in the release of 12 hostages after a three‑day negotiation.
- Key factors in the rescue:
- Early activation of the church’s “Rapid Response Protocol.”
- Real‑time GPS tracking of the abduction vehicle using a community‑sourced drone.
- Direct liaison with the NHRC, which facilitated legal pressure on the kidnappers.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Policymakers should streamline investigative jurisdiction to avoid duplicated efforts that hamper evidence gathering.
- faith Leaders need to balance pastoral care with robust security planning, integrating professional risk assessments into church governance.
- Residents benefit from clear communication channels that empower them to report incidents without fear of reprisal.
published on 2026/01/20 at 17:08:20 – archyde.com