The Nigerian military has dismissed allegations that its response to the abduction of more than 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kaduna State, was slow or ineffective, insisting that coordinated efforts are actively underway to secure the victims’ safe release.
Residents of Kurmin Wali, located in Kajuru Local Government Area, had accused security forces of reacting sluggishly to the attack that occurred last Sunday.
Some community members alleged that troops made only a weak attempt to pursue the abductors into nearby forests before retreating, raising concerns over the military’s commitment to the rescue operation.
In response, the Defence Headquarters said the claims do not reflect the reality on ground, stressing that sustained operations are ongoing to ensure the abducted worshippers are rescued unharmed.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media Operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Major General Michael Onoja, the military acknowledged the fears and frustrations of affected residents but assured them that the rescue of the victims remains a top priority.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has duly acknowledged the apprehensions expressed by displaced residents of Kurmin Wali regarding the ongoing efforts to secure the release of their abducted family members.
“The AFN seeks to reassure the affected communities and the general public that the safe rescue and reintegration of all kidnapped victims remains a paramount undertaking,” Onoja said.
He rejected suggestions of inaction or lack of urgency, explaining that the military is working closely with other security agencies to track down the perpetrators and free the captives.
“Contrary to assertions of a diminished response, the AFN, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has been executing sustained, intelligence-driven operations within the vicinity and surrounding forested areas believed to harbor the perpetrators.
“These operations encompass a strategic combination of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted initiatives meticulously designed to locate the kidnappers and secure the hostages without jeopardizing their safety,” the statement said.
The military further explained that what some residents perceive as restraint is, in some cases, a calculated operational decision aimed at preventing harm to the abducted worshippers.
“The AFN recognizes the distress and trepidation experienced by the affected families and underscores that operational restraint in certain instances is a deliberate strategy, guided by the imperative to safeguard the captives and avert unintended harm.
“While specific operational details must remain confidential for security reasons, substantial efforts are underway to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions,” it added.
Reaffirming its constitutional responsibility, the Armed Forces pledged to protect lives and property and to ensure that the victims of the Kurmin Wali attack are reunited with their families.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain unwavering in their mandate to protect lives and property and are steadfastly committed to reuniting the kidnapped victims of Kurmin Wali with their families.”
The military also appealed to the public for patience, cooperation, and continued support as rescue operations progress toward a successful outcome.
What you should know
The Kurmin Wali abduction has intensified public scrutiny of security responses to mass kidnappings in Kaduna State.
While affected communities have expressed frustration over perceived delays, the military insists that intelligence-led operations are ongoing and that caution is being exercised to avoid endangering hostages.
The outcome of this operation will further shape public confidence in security strategies against kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria’s north-west.
