The United States has called on the Federal Government to strengthen security measures following the abduction of 177 Christian worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, an incident that has once again raised concerns over faith-based violence in Nigeria.

The worshippers were kidnapped on January 18, 2026, when gunmen attacked churches in Kurmin Wali village during worship services. Although the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police initially denied the incident, the police later confirmed that the abductions did occur.

Sources disclosed that the kidnappers are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at about ₦28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the victims.
The matter was raised during a high-level United States–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja, where the US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said Nigeria must do more to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and protect their right to freely practice their faith.

While acknowledging recent security improvements, Hooker warned that persistent attacks on religious groups undermine public confidence and threaten broader stability. She added that strengthening religious freedom would further deepen cooperation between both countries in trade, health, economic development and counter-terrorism.

Responding, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu acknowledged the seriousness of the security challenge and said the Federal Government was intensifying military and law-enforcement operations in affected areas.

Ribadu described violence framed along religious lines as an attack on the Nigerian state and disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had authorised expanded security deployments, improved intelligence coordination and more thorough investigations into attacks on religious communities. He also revealed plans to establish a national database on deaths and casualties linked to violent incidents to enhance accountability and informed decision-making.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) condemned the abduction, describing it as another painful reminder of the sustained terror faced by indigenous communities in the Middle Belt. The forum criticised the initial denial of the incident by state and police authorities, saying it undermined rescue efforts and emboldened the kidnappers.

A resident of Kurmin Wali village, identified as Godwin, said the January 18 incident marked the 23rd attack on the community, adding that women, children and elderly persons were among those abducted.Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, also condemned the attack and urged security agencies to ensure the prompt rescue of the worshippers, lamenting the increasing targeting of schools and places of worship.

Similarly, the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) and the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) called for urgent government action, with the Christian leaders declaring a two-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe return of the victims.

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) described the abduction as a rude shock and appealed for sustained efforts until all abducted persons are reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force of placing image management above citizens’ safety, describing the initial denial of the incident as harmful to public trust. The party called for an independent investigation into the handling of the matter.

Governor Uba Sani has assured residents that his administration remains committed to rescuing all abducted persons. Speaking during an interview on BBC Hausa, the governor said he was personally monitoring the security operations in collaboration with relevant agencies.

“I will not rest until our people are rescued,” he said.

The abduction has continued to attract national and international attention, with growing calls for decisive, transparent and sustained action to curb the wave of kidnappings in Kaduna State and beyond.