Nigeria Denies Reports of Church Attacks in Kaduna State Amidst Kidnapping Claims
The Nigerian police have refuted reports of coordinated attacks on churches in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria, over the weekend, despite numerous accounts from residents detailing kidnappings. The conflicting narratives highlight the ongoing security challenges and trust deficit between authorities and local communities in the region.
Reported Abductions and Conflicting Accounts
Usman Danlami Stingo, a Kaduna state lawmaker, stated on January 19, 2026, that an armed group abducted 177 people on Sunday, January 18, 2026. According to Stingo and residents interviewed by the associated Press (https://apnews.com/), eleven individuals managed to escape, leaving 166 still missing.
However, Kaduna State police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu claimed on January 19, 2026, that a police visit to one of the reportedly targeted churches revealed “no evidence of the attack.” He characterized the reports as “rumours” intended to undermine the perceived peace in Kajuru,a local government area within Kaduna State.
Eyewitness Testimonies and Advocacy Group Concerns
Residents contradict the police account. Ishaku Dan’azumi, the village head of Kurmin Wali, asserted, “I am one of the people who escaped from the bandits. We all saw it happen, and anyone who says it didn’t happen is lying.”
Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSWN), a Christian advocacy group, reported that security forces prevented their representatives from accessing the alleged attack sites.Reuben Buhari, CSWN’s spokesperson, stated that a military officer cited a “standing order” prohibiting their access (https://www.cswl.org/).
The chikun/Kajuru Active Citizens Congress (CKACC), a local advocacy group, has published a list of hostages, though its accuracy remains unverified by the Associated Press.Police have not responded to requests for comment on the list.
A senior Christian leader in Kaduna State, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, confirmed the attacks and the existence of a hostage list, stating, “This happened, and our job is to help them. These people came, attacked, and picked people from churches… But I think they prefer to play the politics of denying, and I don’t think that’s what we want.”
Nigeria’s Complex Security Landscape
attacks targeting churches are a recurring issue in Nigeria,reflecting the country’s broader and complex security crisis. Nigeria faces threats from multiple armed groups, including boko Haram, the Islamic state West Africa province (ISWAP), and various bandit groups (https://www.cfr.org/nigeria-security-tracker). While Boko Haram and ISWAP are ideologically driven, the motivations of “bandit” groups are frequently enough more fluid, frequently involving cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, and resource conflicts.
International Scrutiny and Diplomatic Tensions
The Nigerian government has faced criticism from the United States government regarding its handling of security for Christians in the country, leading to diplomatic friction. In December 2025, the U.S. military conducted an operation against an alleged Islamic State group within nigeria, an action the Nigerian government acknowledged (https://www.state.gov/countries-regions/nigeria/).
Key Takeaways
- Conflicting reports exist regarding attacks on churches in Kaduna state, with police denying incidents reported by residents and advocacy groups.
- Kidnappings remain a significant security concern in the region, with a reported 166 people still missing.
- The situation highlights a lack of trust between local communities and security forces.
- Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security landscape involving multiple armed groups.
- International scrutiny of nigeria’s security situation, particularly regarding the protection of Christians, is increasing.
Published – January 20, 2026 10:04 pm IST
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