More than 160 Christians were kidnapped in a brazen series of attacks on worship services in northwestern Nigeria, raising urgent questions about security in the region.
On Sunday, simultaneous assaults targeted three churches in Kaduna State, with Nigerian authorities initially denying the incidents before confirming them. A police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that intelligence and operational units verified the abductions after early dismissal of the reports.
State lawmaker Usman Danlami Stingo told The Associated Press that 177 individuals were taken, though 11 escaped, leaving 168 still missing.
The targeted churches included the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), a Cherubim and Seraphim congregation, and a Catholic church in the Kajuru district. Kaduna State Police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu initially labeled the reports as unverified on Monday, finding no evidence during a visit to one site. The abductions follow recent U.S. airstrikes on Islamist targets in nearby Sokoto State on Dec. 25, 2025, coordinated with Nigerian officials to curb ISIS-West Africa Province activities, according to Fox News.
Local advocacy groups and international observers, including Amnesty International, have criticized the government’s early refusal to acknowledge the attacks.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson for Kaduna State, eventually admitted, “Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur.” That’s a stark reversal from Rabiu’s claim of “no evidence,” which only fuels distrust in official narratives. When a government drags its feet on admitting a mass kidnapping, it’s no surprise people start questioning priorities.
Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, didn’t mince words on Africa Independent, calling the situation “politicized.” He’s right to point out the absurdity of officials demanding proof while families wait in anguish. This isn’t a political game—it’s a human crisis.
The scale of the abductions—168 still unaccounted for—paints a grim picture of security in rural Nigeria. Reports from Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria suggest bandits forced congregants into nearby bush areas, releasing only elderly women and children. This isn’t just crime; it’s a coordinated strike on vulnerable communities.
Nigeria’s government insists these acts are driven by ransom-seeking criminals, not religious motives. Yet, repeated targeting of Christian gatherings, alongside recent mass kidnappings of schoolgirls in the north, raises valid concerns about whether enough is being done to protect specific groups. Religious freedom advocates are understandably pressing for stronger international support.
Amnesty International slammed the response, arguing the government lacks a coherent plan to stop these atrocities. Their frustration mirrors a broader sentiment: years of violence, thousands dead, and still no effective strategy. It’s hard to argue with that assessment when denials come before action.
The timing of these kidnappings, just weeks after U.S. airstrikes killed multiple ISIS-linked militants in northwest Nigeria, adds another layer of complexity. The Pentagon described the Dec. 25, 2025, operation as a significant move to weaken extremist capabilities in ungoverned areas. But if anything, this incident shows the threat remains very real.
A senior Trump administration official emphasized the need for swift collaboration, urging Nigeria to address violence impacting Christians and other civilians. That call for joint action is a reminder that global partnerships matter in tackling terrorism. Sitting back while extremists exploit porous borders isn’t an option.
U.S. officials have warned that ISIS affiliates thrive in Nigeria’s rural gaps, where security presence is thin. The debate in American political circles—whether this violence is persecution or mere banditry—misses the point when lives are at stake. Action, not labels, is what’s needed.
Local groups like the Chikun/Kajuru Active Citizens Congress have pushed for transparency, releasing an unverified list of hostages. Meanwhile, Christian organizations attempting to investigate were reportedly blocked by military and government officials. That kind of stonewalling only deepens the sense of abandonment felt by affected communities.
Nigerian security officials caution that misinformation could inflame tensions in already volatile regions. Fair enough, but dismissing credible reports as “rumors” doesn’t exactly build trust either. The balance between caution and accountability seems dangerously tilted toward silence.
These attacks are a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s most vulnerable. With 168 souls still missing, the priority must be rescue and reform, not political posturing. The world is watching—let’s hope the response matches the urgency.
