CSW UK joins CSW Nigeria (CSWN) in condemning the mass abduction of 167 worshippers from three churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State on 18 January, and calling for enhanced security for remote Christian communities in central Nigeria.
The Kaduna State Government denied that the abductions had occurred, and allegedly had warned villagers against speaking to the press, reportedly because publicity would ‘tarnish the image of the government and bring unnecessary attention.’
A team from CSWN that attempted to visit the community to verify the report, was refused entry by the military, who informed them there was a standing order not to allow them in, and escorted them out of the area. However, several local sources who later spoke to CSWN on the basis of anonymity said a large number of Fulani militia men had stormed the area on foot and on motorcycles at around 9am on 18 January as members of the community were attending their respective church services.
The militia men divided themselves into three groups that targeted the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Albarka Cherubim and Seraphim 1, and Haske Cherubim and Seraphim 2 church buildings. ‘They gathered the people and forced them into the bush,’ a resident told CSWN. ‘Later, the elderly women and young children were released, while another 11 people escaped.’ The sources confirmed that 167 people were currently in captivity, adding that they were compiling their names and details.
The Adara people of Kajuru LGA have been under sustained attack since their traditional ruler, the Agom Adara III, HRH Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima, was abducted and murdered by Fulani assailants in 2018, despite payment of a ransom.
Kurmin Wali and surrounding communities have endured repeated attacks and abductions. For example, on 11 January 2026, 21 people were abducted from the community and were only freed after paying around 7 million Naira (approximately GBP 3,600) in ransom. Earlier, on 2 January ECWA church leader Rev Philip Adamu was among four people abducted from Ungwan Danladi village in Kajuru LGA by assailants who spoke Fulfude, the Fulani language, and who called the community the following day demanding ransoms of 20 million Naira (around GBP 10,400) for Rev Adamu, and 10 million Naira (around GBP 5,200) for the other hostages.
Fulani militia were among several armed groups that were designated as terrorists by the Nigerian government in December 2025, under the country’s new counterterrorism doctrine.
The repeated abductions have caused several communities around Kurmin Wali to abandon their homes and move to safer areas. In a statement released on 20 January, CSWN describes the continuing attacks and abductions as ‘a clear dereliction of responsibility by the state and federal governments of Nigeria’, highlighting that with each abduction, the people of these rural areas are impoverished further, sinking deeper into debt.
Also on 18 January Baptist church leader Daniel Bagama was abducted along with his three daughters by armed assailants who stormed Tudun/Bussah village in the Kakau Ward of Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, at around 11pm.
Earlier, on 3 January a large contingent of terrorists attacked Kachia town in Kachia LGA, southern Kaduna, at night, opening fire on residents, injuring an unspecified number and killing four members of the same family, who were later identified as Bitrus Bahago, his wife Justina Bitrus Bahago, their son Ibrahim Bitrus Bahago, and their relative Adam Waziri.
Reverend Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, the Chief Executive Officer of CSWN, said: ‘While applauding the military successes recorded in the past few months, CSW condemns the repeated attacks on the vulnerable people in Kurmin Wali and surrounding communities. We urge the security agencies to ensure the prompt release of those abducted and to enhance security for all other vulnerable areas. We also call on the government to strengthen the local capacity of these villagers to serve as the first line of defence against terrorists who are increasingly emboldened by each unchallenged abduction.’
Meanwhile, in Kogi State 24 of 30 worshippers who were abducted on 14 December 2025 have been released in poor physical condition following a ransom payment of N15 million (approximately GBP 7,900). Seven abductees were freed on 1 January 2026, three of whom had died in captivity. Three more were released on 12 January, and a further 14 regained their freedom on 13 January, while six remain in captivity.
CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW is highly concerned by the official efforts to obscure the abductions that took place in Kurmin Wali and to prevent residents from speaking to the press. The government of Nigeria at both state and federal levels must be transparent about the scale and severity of the security crisis the country is experiencing, and specifically about the asymmetry with which Christian communities are being targeted, in order to ensure an effective response to the terrorism that has blighted the lives of vulnerable citizens across central Nigeria for far too long. We also echo CSWN’s call for the authorities to do everything in their power to secure the release of those abducted from Kurmin Wali on 18 January, as well as all other abductees currently held in terrorist captivity in Nigeria’s central and northern states.’