…IGP orders full deployment of intelligence and operational assets
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, has confirmed the abduction of church worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following days of public concern and conflicting reports surrounding the incident.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on January 20, 2026, and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, earlier comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were misunderstood and were not intended to deny the incident. Rather, the police said the remarks were aimed at preventing unnecessary panic while facts were being verified.
“Those remarks, which have since been widely misinterpreted, were not a denial of the incident but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected,” the statement said.
The police disclosed that subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has now confirmed that the abduction did occur in the community.
Following the confirmation, the Nigeria Police Force said it has activated coordinated security operations in collaboration with other security agencies, with a focus on locating and safely rescuing the victims, as well as restoring calm to the affected area.
The statement added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
“These efforts include the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols already in place, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property,” the police said.
The Force appealed to members of the public and the media to exercise patience and cooperation, urging them to rely on official police communications for verified information and to avoid speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.
It reiterated the Police Force’s commitment to the safety of all citizens and assured that updates would be provided as developments unfold.
The police further explained that it had earlier acknowledged the concern generated by reports of the abduction in Kurmin Wali, describing the community as remote and security-challenged. According to the statement, the Force recognises the fear and anxiety such incidents cause to families, residents and the general public, and treats the safety of every citizen as a top priority.
Upon receiving the initial report, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the Governor. During the meeting at the Government House, Kaduna, some individuals from the affected local government area reportedly disputed the incident, describing it as false, despite earlier confirmations.
The police said this disagreement created uncertainty and reinforced the need for caution and thorough verification by security agencies before making definitive public statements on such a sensitive matter.
“In this context, comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed,” the statement said.
The Police Force maintained that the remarks should not be construed as a denial of the kidnapping but as part of responsible crisis communication pending confirmation from the field.
Security operations in the area are ongoing.
