Nigeria's Kurmin Wali Kidnapping Crisis Ends as Christian Group Announces Release of All 166 Captives
In a significant development for Nigeria's embattled northern region, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced Thursday that all 166 individuals kidnapped during a coordinated assault on the village of Kurmin Wali and its churches last month have been freed.
The announcement, made by Reverend John Hayab, chairman of CAN's northern chapter, brings a tentative close to a kidnapping that highlighted the persistent security crisis in the region. While confirming the release, Hayab did not disclose whether a ransom was paid or detail the negotiations that led to the captives' freedom.
Reverend Caleb Maaji, CAN's leader in Kaduna State, provided further context, stating he had just returned from the state government house where Governor Uba Sani was preparing to receive the former captives. "The stage is set for them to be brought… His Excellency will meet with them. This is a result of the prayers we have offered," Maaji told Reuters.
As of publication, the Nigerian federal government has not issued an official statement on the release. However, local media reports cite Governor Sani confirming the return of at least 82 of the abducted individuals, suggesting a phased release may have occurred.
The mass abduction began on the morning of January 18, when large numbers of armed men, locally referred to as bandits, stormed Kurmin Wali. Witnesses described to Al Jazeera how the attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, broke down doors and forcibly removed people from their homes and three separate churches.
Initial reports indicated 177 people were taken into nearby forests, with 11 managing to escape during the ordeal. The incident was initially denied by Kaduna State officials, who only acknowledged an "abduction" two days later, pledging to secure the villagers' release.
According to the village chief, the kidnappers had accused the community of confiscating 10 motorcycles they had hidden in the bush and demanded their return as a condition for the hostages' release.
Background & Analysis: The Kurmin Wali kidnapping is not an isolated event but part of a devastating pattern of mass abductions, particularly in Nigeria's north-central and northwestern regions. These kidnappings, often for ransom, have become a lucrative criminal enterprise, overwhelming under-resourced security forces and creating a climate of fear. The targeting of churches also intersects with complex ethno-religious tensions and has drawn international criticism, including past remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump accusing Nigeria of failing to protect Christians. While Abuja denies any state-sponsored persecution and emphasizes cooperation with international partners on security, incidents like this continue to strain public trust and challenge the government's authority.
Voices from the Community:
"This news is an answer to our collective prayers, but it cannot be the end of the story. We need to see a permanent security solution, not just celebratory press conferences after each tragedy." — Chinwe Okoro, schoolteacher and community advocate in Kaduna.
"The silence from the federal government is deafening. Were ransoms paid? If so, it only funds the next atrocity. This cycle of violence and negotiation is a national disgrace and a direct result of failed leadership." — Emeka Nwosu, political analyst and columnist for The Abuja Sentinel.
"As a father who waited for news of my brother, today we breathe again. But our joy is mixed with anger. We live like prisoners in our own land, at the mercy of criminals. When will our safety be guaranteed?" — Ibrahim Sani, relative of a freed captive.
"The swift confirmation by CAN, contrasted with the government's delayed and fragmented communication, shows where the real trust lies for many people on the ground. Civil society is often left to manage both the crisis and the narrative." — Dr. Fatima Aliyu, researcher in conflict resolution at University of Lagos.