Discrepancies in Reports of Kidnapped Congregants in Nigeria

On January 18, 2026, gunmen attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna state, Nigeria, abducting 177 worshippers. The incident is part of a broader trend of mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently target villages and religious gatherings. Following the attack, police reported that at least 80 of the congregants had returned home, a claim that has been contested by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Nigeria police says 80 abducted congregants return home, Christian group disputes claimNigeria Police Says 80 Abducted Congregants Return Home, Christian Group Disputes Claim

Kaduna police spokesperson Mansur Hassan stated that fresh inquiries revealed that 80 individuals reported missing had actually fled to nearby villages during the attack and returned home when they felt safe. He indicated that these individuals were invited to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters for identity verification and health assessments. However, Reverend Caleb Maaji, the chairman of CAN in Kaduna state, refuted this claim, asserting that he had no information regarding any returnees and maintained that the number of abducted individuals remained at 177, excluding the 11 who escaped and are currently receiving medical care.

Nigeria Police Says 80 Abducted Congregants Return Home, Christian Group Disputes ClaimNigeria police says 80 abducted congregants return home, Christian group disputes claim

Kidnapping for ransom has become a pervasive issue in northern Nigeria, exacerbated by the activities of armed gangs. The attack on the churches in Kaduna is one of many incidents that have raised concerns about security and the effectiveness of the Nigerian government's response to such threats. The discrepancies between police reports and the statements from CAN highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing and accurately reporting incidents of violence and abduction in the region.

Nigeria police says 80 abducted congregants return home, Christian group disputes claim

The Kaduna police initially denied the occurrence of the kidnapping before later acknowledging the incident and launching a search for the missing individuals. The contrasting narratives from law enforcement and religious organizations reflect a broader struggle over the portrayal of security issues in Nigeria.

Nigeria Police Says 80 Abducted Congregants Return Home, Christian Group Disputes Claim

Critics, including CAN representatives, have expressed skepticism regarding the police's claims about the return of the congregants. They argue that the police often provide inconsistent figures and narratives concerning church kidnappings, which undermines public trust in their ability to manage security effectively.

Nigeria police says 80 abducted congregants return home, Christian group disputes claim

• “Currently, we have invited all of these individuals to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters for verification of their identities, screening and health assessments,” — Mansur Hassan, Kaduna Police Spokesperson

Nigeria police says 80 abducted congregants return home, Christian group disputes claim

• “Based on the information available to me, the number of those kidnapped remains 177, except for the 11 who escaped and are receiving care in the hospital,” — Reverend Caleb Maaji, Chairman of CAN in Kaduna State

Nigeria police says 80 abducted congregants return home, Christian group disputes claim

The situation surrounding the kidnapping of congregants in Kaduna state illustrates the complexities and challenges of addressing security issues in Nigeria. The conflicting reports from police and the Christian Association of Nigeria underscore the need for clarity and accountability in the aftermath of such violent incidents.

Nigeria Police Says 80 Abducted Congregants Return Home, Christian Group Disputes Claim