Since last week, precisely from 11th January, 2025, there has been military action in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State in order to restore peace in the area and its surroundings. The Nigerian military and the Kaduna State Government have been working towards peace in Southern Kaduna. Therefore, since the inception of the present government under the government of Senator Uba Sani, a sustained military offensive had continued unabated. Indeed, the recent onslaught reportedly led to the killing of over 70 bandits and the destruction of several criminal hideouts across the area.

It was gathered that these series of military onslaughts that were carried out were targeted at long-established bandit enclaves located within forested areas around Kauru, which had served as launch pads for attacks, kidnappings and killings across the local government. Among the notorious camps dislodged during the operations were Rafin Gora Camp, Agwala Camp, Ruwan Sanyi and Randa, these were major strongholds used by armed groups to terrorise surrounding communities for years.

The recent operation was led by the Commandant of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Samaru Kataf, Navy Captain I.T. Akaazua, under whose leadership troops carried out coordinated ground assaults on the identified bandit enclaves.

During the offensive, some abducted victims were rescued alive by the troops. The rescued persons were identified as Mr. Barnabas Zakaria and Mr. Hosea Barnabas, both from Doka in Kajuru Local Government Area; as well as Haruna Ummar, Timothy Musa, Hasat Ummar and Balkisu Ummar, all from Kauru Local Government Area.

In separate interviews, the community leaders, Alhaji Tukur Kadage, Chairman of the Joint Security Committee of Dokan Karji and Kwassam communities; Mr. Barnabas Musa of Chawai Chiefdom; and Hon. Aminu Khalid, Youth Leader of Dokan Karji community, praised the military for what they described as a decisive intervention that has significantly weakened bandit networks in the area.

The community leaders recalled that Kauru Local Government Area, located in Southern Kaduna, has suffered persistent insecurity since 2010, beginning with an attack on Kizachi community in Chawai Chiefdom, where eight persons were killed.

According to them, armed groups over the years had established camps within dense forests surrounding Kauru, using the difficult terrain to launch repeated raids on villages, abduct residents for ransom and rustle livestock, forcing many families to abandon their homes and farmlands. They added that the prolonged violence left thousands displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter and medical care.

But findings revealed that the onslaught paved the way for many bandits to escape and move towards Kajuru forest. One of the community leaders, Israel Yohana, remarked, “The bandits who were attacked in Kauru were seen moving towards Kajuru, it was these same bandits that attacked the churches in Kurmi Wali. We have pledged as communities to continue cooperating with the security agencies by exposing criminal hideouts.”

How bandits attacked the worshippers

On Sunday the 18th, January, 2025, when the usual church service was going on, hundreds of bandits attacked three adjoining churches.

According to findings, the armed bandits who stormed the three churches in Kurmin Wali abducted at least 177 worshippers. The affected churches were the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Haske Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, and Albarka Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church.

Eyewitnesses remarked that those abducted include the Village Head, Ishaku Danazumi. It was gathered that the attackers arrived on motorcycles, blocked exits, and forced congregants into nearby forests.

Elaborating further, the Chairman Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kajuru, Enoch Kaura, remarked that so far 11 worshippers, including the village head, reportedly escaped during the abduction, leaving 166 victims in captivity.

Interestingly, the January 18 attack followed another kidnapping incident on January 11, where 25 villagers were abducted from the same community. Residents interviewed said they raised N2.5 million through personal savings and loans to secure their release.

Topography aiding crime

The Village Head, Ishaku Danazumi Danazumi, noted that Kurmin Wali is a predominantly Christian community and most of the inhabitants are farmers. Findings revealed that the village is surrounded by thick forest, and it also lacks basic infrastructure like good access road to the community. Also, the village has no electricity, no primary or secondary schools, and no primary health care facility, forcing children and patients to travel long distances for essential services.

Findings also showed that government presence is largely limited; a situation they say has left them vulnerable to repeated attacks by criminal groups operating in the region.

Police Commissioner, Local Government chairman’s initial reactions

Under the circumstances, the police authorities and local government denied any attack. The denials were first made by the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, who described the reported kidnap as mere falsehood which was being peddled by conflict entrepreneurs who wanted to cause chaos in Kaduna State. Addressing reporters after the State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, he challenged anyone to list the names of the kidnapped victims and other particulars.

Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu warned rumour mongers to desist from trying to derail the prevailing peace in Kaduna State, threatening that full wrath of the law will be visited on such merchants of falsehood.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Kajuru local government, Dauda Madaki, said that when he heard rumour of the attack, he mobilised the police and other security forces to the area, Kurmin Wali, but found out that there was no attack.

“We visited the church where the so-called kidnap took place. There was no evidence of the attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack.

“I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona who was interviewed by the pressmen that accompanied me, and he said that no such thing happened. So, I challenge anyone to name the people that were kidnapped and I have been waiting for this list and no one has come forward with a name.

In the same vein, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shaibu, SAN, said that the CAN chairman and other religious leaders have interacted with the people of the area where the so-called kidnapping occurred.

“They found out that what was pushed out to the public sphere was completely false,’’ he said, assuring that ‘’Kaduna State Government has zero tolerance for criminality.’’

Kurmin Wali

Names of victims made public

However, the community insisted that their people were abducted by the bandits and within 24 hours after police denials, they released the names of those in captivity. Families affected include:

Jonathan’s family – 12 members

Amos family – 13 members

Markus/Makudi family – 10 members

Ishaya family – 7 members

Danisa family – 7 members

Bawa family – 6 members

Danjuma family – 5 members

Musa family – 5 members

Several other families had four, three, or two members abducted during the attack, according to CAN chairman, Enock Kauru.

The list showed that the oldest victim is 71-year-old Augustina Matthew, while the youngest is Salvation Idris, aged six.

Other abducted children include Likita Amos (6), Jumota Idris (7), Tessy Amos (8), Yahaya Joshua (9), and several 10-year-olds, including Sussana Idris, Synthah Amos, Hezibah Jonathan, and Hezikaiah Jonathan.

Victims of the abduction also included Zahaya Joshua, Nabilah Makus, Hajara Makudi, Rebecca Hosea Ahmad, Ahmad Liyu Ezekiel, Vivian Ezekiel, Goodluck Ezekiel, Beauty Ezekiel, Matina Maiyashi, Bridget Maiyashi,Vivian Linus, Mary Amos, Hamid Amos Patricia Amos, Hamisu Amos, Luka Amos, Tacy Amos, Cynthia Amos (guessed), Mercy Isaac, Augustine Makudi, Matthew Samaila, Adam Musa, Malika Sule, Abu Ahmad, Hussein Lucky (guessed), Akinyi Sadiu, Dangata Amos, Helen Jonathan, Asinwa Jonathan, Faith Joseph, Gloria Kenneth, Happiness Danisa, Fidelis Jacob, Tobias Markus, Istu Paul, Hassana Paul, Charity Chindo, Christiana Danisa, Everest Danima, Thomas Philip, Catrina Danbosi, Halima Hassan, Hassan Lukumi, Mary Sadiu, Franca John, Henry Danbiyi, Genesis Lawal, Ayuba Lawal, Solomon Ayuba, Theophilus Danlami (guessed),Charles Sambo, Rahila Charles, Gambo Danisa, Talent Danisa, Nehemiah Danjuma, Maijima Shekarau, Matina Maijima, Laraba Maijima, Musa Danjuma, Ishaya Danima, Lulu Danisa, Clement Ahmad, Destiny Ahmad, Nehemiah Ishaya, Simon Ishaya, Nasty Muku, Helena Joseph, Joseph Bawa, Sarah Joseph, Bulus Mariya, Musa Samaila, Bulus Bawa, Halima Bawa, Beture Hosea, Sati Hosea, Titus John, Dogara Bawa, Lories Bawa, Adamu Aminu, Ezekiel Adamu, Tenah Markus, Tina Danbosi, Patricio Bawa, Janet Tsuda, and Amina Danjuma.

Police recant

With the release of their names, the police made a U-turn and said its earlier remarks on the attack was not to send panic but to allow it carry out its work diligently. They confirmed that there was indeed attack but they’re trying to get the actual number of those kidnapped. The statement noted that the NPF acknowledges the deep concern generated by reports of an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It said, “The Force understands the fear and anxiety such reports cause to families, residents, and the general public, and treats the safety of every citizen as a matter of utmost priority.

Upon receiving the report, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the Governor.

“During the meeting at the Government House, Kaduna, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the Police, and described it as false.

“This created uncertainty and reinforced the need for caution and thorough verification by the Police and other security agencies before making conclusive public statements on such a sensitive matter.

“In this context, comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed.

CAN faults police communication, calls for victims’ release

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the initial handling and public communication surrounding the abduction.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it reviewed a press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force confirming the incident, but faulted the earlier dismissal of reports before comprehensive verification.

It acknowledged the difficulties security agencies face in verifying incidents in remote communities, but stressed that such challenges should not lead to dismissive public communication, particularly in cases involving mass abductions and threats to human life.

According to CAN, the initial denial of the incident created confusion and heightened fear, while also undermining the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.

“In situations of this gravity, public communication must not appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens,” the statement said, adding that remarks by senior security officials carry significant weight and must be guided by empathy, diligence and awareness of their impact on public trust.

While commending the subsequent confirmation of the incident and the directive by the Inspector-General of Police to deploy operational and intelligence assets to the affected area, CAN said such actions must be matched with a more disciplined, people-centred approach to crisis communication.

Affected community demands apology from Police, LG boss

Adara Development Association (ADA) of Kajuru local government area has demanded apology from the state police commissioner and the local government chairman for hiding the truth when bandits abducted its people.

This was contained in a statement issued by ADA president, Chief Sebastine A. Barde and made available to newsmen in Kaduna which stated, “With profound anguish and a deep sense of collective humiliation, the Adara community has once again been forced to endure relentless cycles of terrorist driven insecurity. These attacks across our communities have become so frequent and pervasive that they now defy accurate documentation.

“Their consequences have been devastating and consistent, marked by extreme brutality, economic ruin, and deepening poverty, alongside severe educational, social, religious, and psychological dislocation.

“This grim reality was particularly entrenched under the ill-fated administration of Nasir El Rufai. Regrettably, the much-anticipated relief and improvement under the present administration are increasingly uncertain and elusive.

Speaking on the reactions of the police and the council chairman, the community said, “Rather than acknowledge the gravity of the situation, both the Commissioner of Police and the Local Government Chairman publicly dismissed the incident, describing verified reports as rumours allegedly propagated by so-called conflict entrepreneurs.

“We therefore challenge both officials to present credible and verifiable evidence to support their denial of this well-documented crime. Their conduct stands in sharp contrast to the public statements and apparent disposition of Governor Uba Sani.

Abduction, demonstrates failure of govt to end impunity – Amnesty International

Amnesty International has described the abduction as a demonstration of the failure of Nigerian authorities to end the endemic impunity of killings and abductions.

The group, in a statement issued on Wednesday, tagged: “Nigeria: Attack on 3 Churches and abduction of 166 people,” therefore, charged the government to ensure the abductees, which included pregnant women and minors, were safely and securely rescued and reunited with their families.

It expressed dismay that gunmen could still have a free rein across some rural areas of Northern Nigeria, since they were said to have invaded the village, going from one Church to another, and dragging their captives along.

Condemning what it termed ‘a desperate denial’ of the incident by the police and the Kaduna State government, the group described the latest mass abduction as clearly showing the federal government as not having any effective plan for ending years of atrocities by armed groups and gunmen.

“The incident which took place on Sunday 18 January 2026 during worship demonstrates, once again, the utter failure of Nigerian authorities to end the endemic impunity of killings and abductions.

Atiku laments the audacity of bandits

Former Vice President of Nigeria and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the increasing audacity of the bandits who attack at will unchallenged.

Reacting to the latest attack on the Kurmin Wali community, Atiku in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, said that it is concerning that while some states are claiming victory in their peace deals with bandits, these same criminals are still busy attacking communities and taking hostages.

According to him, “it’s colossally embarrassing to see non-state actors holding the country hostage and attacking people and taking hostages again and again unchallenged.”

He observed that it is difficult to achieve deterrence in a situation where governors are on their knees begging bandits in the name of peace deals.

The former Vice President explained that while he is not against negotiations to end the violence, he will not accept a situation where the bandits dictate the peace deals on their own terms.

“Those peace deals always favour the bandits more than their victims and they have always fooled the government’s negotiators,” he said.

Furthermore, Atiku advised that the government does not have to wait until the bandits launch attacks before it responds to those attacks.

The ADC chieftain stressed that the Tinubu-led APC administration must be held accountable for its own campaign promises to end insecurity in the country.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called on the federal government to ensure safe release of the victims.

Obi in a post on his X handle, @PeterObi decried the initial denial by security forces of the abductions of worshippers at ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Churches 1 and 2 at Kurmin Wali community in the local government on Sunday.

Obi maintained that the present administration must convince Nigerians “that every Nigerian life matters.” (Nigerian Tribune)