Police Confirm Kaduna Abduction, Deploy Tactical Units for Rescue
Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria — On Sunday, January 18, 2026, armed men stormed a rural community during religious services. At first, the Nigeria Police Force gave mixed signals about the attack. Then, after careful verification, the Force finally confirmed that the abduction took place. They also revealed that tactical units and intelligence assets were mobilised to rescue the victims. Source
Sudden Attack on Worshippers in Kurmin Wali
On Sunday morning, in the remote Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru LGA, gunmen armed with high-powered weapons attacked during church services. The assault targeted multiple churches, and eyewitnesses reported chaos and terror as gunmen fired into the congregation and forced worshippers into waiting vehicles. Source
When neighbours realised what was happening, they rushed to help those fleeing. Some worshippers managed to escape into the bush. Others were whisked away to unknown locations. Early accounts suggested that more than 160 people were taken. Source. Read also Kwara Royal Abduction: Son Released After ₦20m, King Still Missing
Conflicting Early Reports and Police Response
At first, the police response added to confusion. On Monday, January 19–20, 2026, the Kaduna State Police Command initially denied that any mass abduction had taken place. They insisted reports were false. Source
Residents were uncertain. Some believed the police. Others trusted what they saw in their community. Meanwhile, families of the missing continued searching for answers. Source
Verification and Police U‑Turn
On Tuesday night, January 20, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a statement acknowledging that the abduction did occur. The initial mixed messages stemmed from ongoing verification efforts in collaboration with security agencies. Source. People are reacting to this headline Sunday Terror in Kaduna: Names of 177 Kidnapped Worshippers Released
IGP Orders Tactical Deployment and Rescue Operations
Once confirmation was made, the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun issued orders for immediate action. Tactical units and intelligence teams were deployed to Kajuru and neighbouring communities. Source
Search Patterns and Intelligence Coordination
Officials said police units used fresh intelligence reports to direct their search. Analysts reviewed patterns of previous abductions. Rangers combed tracks leading from Kurmin Wali and surrounding areas. Source
Victim Numbers and Missing Persons
Authorities have not released exact numbers. Multiple sources and church records indicate that over 160 worshippers were abducted. Only a few managed to escape. Source
Local Reaction and Community Impact
The attack rattled Kurmin Wali and nearby towns. Residents are cautious. Grassroots community watches formed. Volunteers reported suspicious movements. Religious leaders held vigils. Messages of support streamed in from across Kaduna State.
Government Assurance and Media Statements
The Kaduna State Government appealed for calm. Officials stressed that speculation can hamper operations. They urged families to wait for verified updates from police channels. Analysts noted that conflicting reports showed the need for better crisis communication.
National and International Attention
The Force headquarters emphasised that this incident highlights broader security issues across northern Nigeria. Human rights groups criticised the initial denial and called for transparency. Source
Continued Rescue Efforts
Police and allied units remain on the ground. Rescue efforts include targeted searches, checkpoints, intelligence sharing, and community engagement. Families remain hopeful. Authorities promise regular updates as operations progress. You may have missed this news Sunday Terror in Kaduna: Names of 177 Kidnapped Worshippers Released
Where to Read More
Authorities continue rescue operations. Verified statements and updates will shape the next stage of this story.
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