The Kurmin Wali community in southern Kaduna was thrown into chaos on Sunday, January 18, 2026, following a coordinated attack by gunmen who abducted 177 Christian worshippers in what is the second major attack in the community within a single week. Reports indicate that the assailants targeted three churches simultaneously, including two branches of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), seizing hundreds of worshippers during morning services. Among the abducted was the village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, who later managed to escape alongside a few others, leaving his wives, children, and other villagers still in captivity.
Eyewitnesses described a highly coordinated operation, with attackers armed with AK-47 rifles moving with precision to round up worshippers. Yunana Dauji, Secretary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Kurmin Wali, recounted that assailants surrounded two church branches while services were ongoing, warning congregants not to flee and forcing them to march from one church to another before being led away into nearby forested areas. Joseph Bawa, Secretary of the ECWA congregation, similarly described gunmen bursting into the church shouting, immediately seizing worshippers and marching them collectively into the forest, instilling fear and panic among residents.
Linus Abu, a local villager, highlighted the community’s sense of despair, noting that many residents had barely recovered from an earlier attack on January 11, in which several villagers were kidnapped, and a ransom of N23 million had to be paid for their release. “The community is traumatised. The latest attack came so soon after the previous one that many of us were still rebuilding our lives,” Abu said. His account underscores the persistent climate of fear that has gripped Kurmin Wali and surrounding areas, exacerbated by the perceived inability of security forces to prevent repeated attacks.
Initial reports of the abduction were mired in confusion. On Monday, Kaduna State Government officials, the police command, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area publicly dismissed the reports, calling them false. However, Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), confirmed the incident to journalists in Kaduna. Subsequently, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the abductions on social media, clarifying that the earlier statements by Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, were measured responses pending verification of details such as the identities and number of those affected, rather than outright denials.
Following the attack, Kurmin Wali has been left in a state of paralysis. Marketplaces were deserted, shops were locked, farms remained untended, and schools have been closed indefinitely as fear swept through the community. Hasan Emman, a local farmer, described the current situation: “Everyone has fled. There is no going to school, no farming, no daily life. The community is scattered, and people are living in fear.” Linus Abu similarly emphasised the disruption, noting that even daily routines like fetching water or tending livestock have ceased, as residents fear further attacks.
The abductors’ demands have added to the community’s anguish. Reports indicate that the gunmen demanded the return of 17 motorcycles they allegedly lost during recent military operations in neighboring areas, claiming each is worth N1.7 million. Villagers would thus have to pay approximately N28.9 million to compensate for the motorcycles before negotiations for the hostages’ release could begin. The village head, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed that the armed men accused Kurmin Wali residents of stealing the motorcycles or tampering with them, insisting that all 17 must be returned before the captives would be released.
The link between the abduction and ongoing military operations in Kajuru and Kauru Local Government Areas was highlighted by multiple military sources. According to these sources, troops had recently dislodged armed groups from key hideouts, forcing the attackers to abandon their camps and flee into surrounding areas. The Kurmin Wali abduction appears to be a retaliatory act by the bandits, who sought to reclaim lost assets and assert control while under pressure from security forces. One military source explained that the abductors lost logistical support, including motorcycles used for mobility and operations, and the attack was intended as both compensation and intimidation.
Captain I.T. Akaazua, Commandant of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Samaru Kataf, confirmed that troops were deployed on “exploitation and hot pursuit operations” across forest corridors surrounding Kurmin Wali and neighboring villages. The military had already rescued three kidnapped victims, including a child, and destroyed several bandit camps in parts of Kauru. However, the dense forests and mountainous terrain favored the attackers, who could evade capture and continue perpetrating violence in remote areas, complicating rescue operations and exposing the limits of current security infrastructure.
Despite the military’s engagement, the abduction had caused widespread disruption across Kurmin Wali. Villagers reported that they abandoned homes, leaving behind livestock, crops, and possessions. Linus Abu explained that daily life has been effectively suspended: “People don’t go anywhere. Markets are empty, schools are closed, farms untended. We are all displaced and living in fear.” The psychological impact on residents is compounded by uncertainty over the fate of 166 captives still held by the gunmen.
The coordinated nature of the attacks, targeting multiple churches simultaneously, points to significant planning and intelligence gathering by the assailants. In addition to capturing congregants, the attackers demonstrated precise timing, moving from church to church without resistance. Survivors noted that some captives managed to escape during the march into the forest, particularly when gunmen slowed down at river crossings, allowing several individuals to run back toward the village. Nonetheless, the majority remain in captivity, many of whom are women and children.
The Adara Development Association (ADA) has criticized the state government and local officials for their initial dismissal of the incident. In a statement, ADA described the abduction as “terrorist-driven” and highlighted the devastating social, economic, and psychological impact on the community. The group accused Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Dauda Madaki, of deliberately denying the incident despite receiving firsthand accounts from residents.
ADA called for a public apology from both officials for the perceived suppression of facts and urged decisive intervention from Governor Uba Sani to distinguish current leadership actions from past failures. The group also appealed to the Federal Government and people of goodwill to ensure the swift rescue of abducted worshippers and provide lasting security for Adara communities. “Our people continue to suffer systematic brutality, displacement, and dehumanization on our ancestral lands,” ADA stated, emphasizing the urgency of government action.
Political reactions to the abduction have been swift. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack and criticized government peace negotiations with bandits, stating that agreements often favor perpetrators over victims. Atiku emphasized the need for government responses to protect communities rather than yielding to bandit demands. “It is difficult to achieve deterrence in a situation where governors are on their knees begging bandits in the name of peace deals,” he said, stressing that government rhetoric must be backed by tangible results.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also demanded urgent government intervention, describing the abduction as a painful reminder of the alarming security situation in Kaduna State. The party criticized initial denials by the state government and the police, warning that such responses undermine public confidence and embolden perpetrators. The ADC called for immediate action to rescue victims and restore security, asserting that the protection of citizens is a fundamental government responsibility.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) faulted security agencies for their handling of public communication regarding the abductions. Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN president, highlighted that premature dismissal of verified reports created confusion, heightened fear, and unfairly questioned the credibility of worshippers and their families. CAN stressed the importance of accurate, empathetic communication to maintain public trust during security crises.
Survivor accounts provide a harrowing picture of the abduction. Linus Madami, son of the village head, confirmed that his father escaped along with ten others, but two wives and two children remained with the kidnappers. Survivors described being forced to march through dense forests under threat of violence, with some able to escape by deliberately slowing down at river crossings while the gunmen could not quickly pursue them.
Military sources confirmed that the attackers were likely displaced from camps in Gabachua, Legede, and the Agwalla mountain and forest corridors, known enclaves for bandit activities. The sources emphasized that attacks on soft targets like villages and churches are a common retaliatory tactic when bandits are disrupted during security operations. Troops have been on high alert, engaging fleeing criminals while attempting to rescue abducted victims.
Captain Akaazua elaborated on operational challenges, noting that the dense forest terrain gives the bandits an advantage. While several camps were destroyed, some remain inaccessible due to extreme remoteness. Security personnel rely on motorcycles to reach these areas, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure to support effective military response in remote communities.
The abduction has disrupted normal life in Kurmin Wali, leaving markets deserted and homes abandoned. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of timely government action and called for sustained military pressure to prevent further attacks. Villagers emphasized the need for coordinated intelligence-gathering efforts and community vigilance to protect vulnerable populations.
The bandits’ demand for the return of stolen motorcycles before engaging in ransom negotiations has complicated the rescue process. Villagers estimate the cost of compensating for the motorcycles at nearly N29 million, separate from any ransom for the abducted worshippers. The village head emphasized that the abductors have yet to make a monetary ransom demand, focusing initially on regaining lost property.
Eyewitnesses described the attackers’ precision and coordination, indicating significant planning. The Cherubim and Seraphim churches lost 50 and 92 members respectively, while the ECWA had 24 members abducted, totaling 177 individuals. The attacks reflect the persistent threat of organized banditry in the region and the vulnerabilities of rural communities in Southern Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Government dispatched security personnel to assess the incident before making public statements, emphasizing the need to verify details. Governor Uba Sani, upon visiting Kurmin Wali on Wednesday, reassured residents of the government’s commitment to human life and collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safe return of abducted villagers.
During his visit, Governor Sani stressed that the response was not about statistics or political optics, but about the sanctity of human life. He assured affected families that medical care and support would be provided to those injured during the attacks. The governor also condemned attempts to politicize the tragedy, urging public and media restraint while security operations continue.
Military operations in Kauru and Kajuru continue as troops engage fleeing bandits. According to security sources, radio communications intercepted during operations indicate that bandits attempted to call for reinforcements, but none arrived. Troops successfully disrupted escape routes, although exact casualty figures on the attackers’ side remain unconfirmed.
The Kaduna State Commandant emphasized that local vigilante groups could provide valuable intelligence to security forces, urging communities to support authorities in tracking and reporting suspicious movements. Strengthened community engagement is seen as essential in improving response times and mitigating future attacks.
Despite military pressure, residents remain displaced and fearful, highlighting the broader humanitarian impact of persistent insecurity in southern Kaduna. Families have fled to neighboring villages, leaving behind homes, crops, and livelihoods, creating long-term economic and social challenges for the community.
The Adara Development Association warned that the repeated attacks have caused “economic ruin, deepening poverty, and severe social, religious, and psychological dislocation,” emphasizing that communities are left to endure suffering while authorities respond slowly. ADA reiterated its call for sustained military action, improved intelligence, and political accountability.
Political figures and civil society groups continue to advocate for more decisive government action. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC stressed the importance of prioritizing citizen protection and ensuring that negotiations do not unfairly favor bandits. Their statements reflect growing frustration with government handling of insecurity and highlight the need for reforms in security policy and response mechanisms.
The Christian Association of Nigeria emphasized the importance of empathy and accuracy in communication, warning that premature denials of verified incidents can erode public trust. CAN stressed that communities must be reassured and informed without downplaying threats or dismissing credible reports.
As security forces continue their operations, the focus remains on the safe recovery of 166 abducted villagers and restoring normalcy to Kurmin Wali. The operation faces logistical challenges due to dense forests, difficult terrain, and the mobility of the bandits, but authorities are committed to leveraging all available resources to rescue the victims.
Military sources have confirmed that abductors are being tracked across forest corridors, with efforts ongoing to intercept and neutralize the fleeing criminals. The combined strategy includes sustained patrols, intelligence sharing, and engagement with local communities to provide early warnings and actionable information.
Finally, the human and social toll of the abduction is immense. Residents face displacement, psychological trauma, and disruption of daily life, while security agencies grapple with logistical and operational challenges in combating entrenched banditry. The response from government, military, and civil society underscores the need for sustained engagement to protect vulnerable communities, prevent future attacks, and restore confidence among the people of southern Kaduna.
The mass abduction in Kurmin Wali has exposed persistent security gaps, highlighted community vulnerabilities, and underscored the challenges of ensuring effective governance in remote areas. The combined efforts of military operations, political oversight, and community vigilance remain crucial to protecting residents, rescuing abducted individuals, and establishing long-term security solutions for southern Kaduna and beyond.