Abductions: US Raises Alarm, FG Vows to Track Bandits in Kaduna

The United States has expressed grave concern over Nigeria’s ability to protect Christian communities following the abduction of more than 170 worshippers in Kaduna State, even as the Federal Government pledged to intensify efforts to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.

Gunmen on Sunday stormed three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting 177 worshippers during church services. Eleven victims later escaped, while 166 remain in captivity. Field reports indicate that the abductors were on Thursday sighted moving freely through forest corridors with their captives.

US Delegation Arrives Amid Security Concerns

The warning from Washington coincided with the arrival of a high-level United States delegation in Nigeria on Thursday for a week-long diplomatic tour focused on counterterrorism and the protection of vulnerable religious groups across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

The visit forms part of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group and was co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.

The engagement comes amid renewed diplomatic tension following the redesignation of Nigeria by US President Donald Trump as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations—an accusation the Federal Government has consistently rejected, insisting that insecurity affects Nigerians across all faiths.

US: Christian Communities Still Exposed

Hooker said recent attacks showed that despite ongoing security operations, Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria remained dangerously vulnerable.

“Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities; prioritise counterterrorism; investigate attacks and hold perpetrators accountable; and reduce killings, forced displacement and abductions of Christians, particularly in the North Central States,” she said.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s recent successes—such as the rescue of 38 Christians abducted in Kwara State and 265 victims from St. Mary’s Catholic School—Hooker said the mass abduction in Kaduna underscored persistent security gaps.

“The government of Nigeria must do more to protect Christians and their right to practise their faith freely and safely,” she added.

She stressed that strengthening religious freedom and security would deepen US–Nigeria cooperation in trade, economic development, health and counterterrorism.

Bandits Demand Motorcycles for Release

Meanwhile, fresh reports confirmed that the abductors were seen trekking with their victims between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities in Kajuru LGA, using forest routes long known as bandit hideouts.

The gunmen reportedly demanded the return of 17 motorcycles—valued at about ₦28.9 million—which they claimed were seized during recent military operations, as a condition for the victims’ release.

FG: Violence Framed Along Religion Is an Attack on the State

Responding, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying the Federal Government had intensified joint military operations, intelligence coordination and investigations.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims and others—is non-negotiable. Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself,” Ribadu said.

He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had authorised expanded security deployments, enhanced intelligence sharing and stronger investigations into attacks on religious communities.

Ribadu also revealed plans to establish a national database on deaths and casualties arising from violence, aimed at improving accountability and evidence-based decision-making.

FG, US Deepen Security Cooperation

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the engagement reflected sustained efforts to deepen security partnerships with tangible results.

“This is the third high-level engagement with senior US officials since November 2025. It shows that our partnership is active, serious and focused on outcomes that matter to Nigerians,” he said.

Idris noted that cooperation had strengthened ongoing operations such as Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Fasan Yamma, adding that the US had committed to delivering outstanding military equipment, including drones and helicopters.

Village Head Confirms Abductors’ Movement

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, told The PUNCH that the bandits were sighted moving with their victims after accusing residents of inviting soldiers into the area.

“They accused us of having powerful people backing us because of the military presence. This morning, we were told they were seen trekking with our people between Ungwan Gamu and Maro,” he said.

He appealed to security agencies to intensify surveillance and rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.

Mother Recounts Ordeal in Captivity

In a related incident, 27-year-old Maimuna Babangida, abducted on January 5 from Kadage community in Kajuru LGA, narrated her harrowing experience in captivity while eight months pregnant.

She said she and her four children were forced to trek long distances through thick forest without medical care, food or basic support. Babangida eventually went into labour in captivity and delivered a baby boy, Abubakar, with the help of fellow captives.

“I would not wish this experience on anyone,” she said, appealing for intensified rescue efforts.

Groups Condemn Attack, Demand Community-Based Security

Reacting to the abductions, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals described the incident as a failure of Nigeria’s internal security architecture, urging the Federal Government to adopt a community-driven Forest Guard system.

Similarly, the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum condemned the attack as “heinous and unacceptable,” criticising initial denials by Kaduna State officials as a betrayal of public trust.

The forum warned that such actions emboldened criminals and delayed emergency responses at critical moments.