DHQ deploys troops, intelligence assets to rescue abducted Kaduna worshippers

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops and intelligence assets have been deployed to secure the release of worshippers abducted from the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the military had taken note of concerns raised by residents and assured that the rescue of all abducted persons remains a top priority.

He said security forces, working in collaboration with other agencies, are conducting sustained, intelligence-led operations within Kurmin Wali and surrounding forest areas believed to serve as hideouts for the kidnappers.

According to him, the operations involve coordinated ground patrols, aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and “carefully calibrated actions” designed to ensure the safe recovery of the victims without exposing them to further danger.

“The caution being exercised in some operations is deliberate,” Onoja said, adding that the approach is aimed at preventing unintended harm to the hostages.

He noted that efforts were also underway to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions and disrupt their activities in the area.

Gunmen had reportedly attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali on Sunday, abducting about 167 worshippers.

The incident initially drew conflicting accounts from security authorities. On Monday, the Kaduna State Police Command described reports of the abductions as false, attributing them to “conflict entrepreneurs” allegedly seeking to undermine the state’s relative peace.

However, on Tuesday, the Nigerian Police Force confirmed the incident. The force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the earlier statement by the Kaduna commissioner of police was intended to prevent public panic. At the same time, investigations were ongoing, and not deny that the abductions had occurred.