Police Backtrack, Confirm Abductions In Kaduna
Last update: January 21, 2026
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Police confirm abduction of 177 worshippers in Kurmin Wali after earlier denial...
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that an abduction occurred in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, following what it described as “thorough verification and intelligence assessments.”
The confirmation comes after earlier controversy, when some government officials initially denied that any kidnapping took place.
On Monday, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, alongside Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, and Kajuru Local Government Chairman, Dauda Madaki, told journalists that no kidnapping had occurred in Ungwan Wali.
Community and religious leaders, however, strongly disputed the claim.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and President of the Adara Development Association (ADA), Sabastine Barde, insisted that at least 177 people were abducted during Sunday attacks, with only a few managing to escape.
They also claimed to have the names of the kidnapped, directly contradicting official reassurances.
In a press statement issued Tuesday night, signed by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police addressed the confusion and public anxiety caused by the conflicting reports.
The statement explained that the Kaduna State Governor convened an emergency meeting of the State Security Council following initial reports of the abduction.
“During the meeting, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the police, calling it false. This disagreement created uncertainty and underscored the need for caution and detailed verification by security agencies before issuing definitive public statements,” the statement read.
CSP Hundeyin clarified that comments made by the Commissioner of Police were meant to prevent panic, not to deny the incident.
He said: “The remarks, which were later misinterpreted by sections of the public, were not a denial of the incident but a preliminary response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the number and identities of those affected.”
He added that subsequent verification by operational units and intelligence sources has now confirmed that the abduction did occur.
Following the confirmation, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the full deployment of operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
Measures include tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and reinforced protection of lives and property.
CBI News reports that the police urged residents and media to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and rely solely on official police communications for verified information.
They warned that speculation and sensational reporting could hinder rescue efforts and increase public fear.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will provide timely updates as the situation develops,” the statement concluded.
