The Nigerian police force has confirmed that an abduction took place in Kumin Wali community, Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state on the 18th of January 2026, when armed bandits attacked at least two evangelical churches during worship service, reportedly abducting about 172 people.
The confirmation follows a denial by some individuals from the affected local government area, who described the report as false during a meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council convened by the state governor. The conflicting accounts prompted security agencies to exercise caution while verifying details from the field.
According to the police, comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, of the Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic pending confirmation of the facts.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” the police said in a press statement released on Tuesday, January 20th 2026.
The names of the kidnapped persons have also been released, bringing the total to 177 victims.
Following the confirmation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun ordered the deployment of tactical and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
The operation includes intensified patrols and targeted search-and-rescue efforts aimed at locating and safely rescuing the victims.
