Terrorism & Insurgency
Bandits Demand Nearly N29 Million for ‘Lost’ Motorcycles Before Opening Ransom Negotiations for 166 Abducted Worshippers in Kaduna
Community in fear as survivors recount coordinated church attacks and ongoing military operations
The Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been thrown into confusion and deep anxiety after a mass abduction of Christian worshippers, an incident that has shaken the entire southern Kaduna region. According to multiple residents and local leaders, 177 worshippers were initially kidnapped on Sunday in a coordinated attack on three churches—marking the second assault on the community within a week.
While early official statements from the Kaduna State Government and security agencies cast doubt on the incident, subsequent verification confirmed the attack and the abduction of a large number of residents. Of the 177 persons reportedly seized, 11 managed to escape, leaving 166 victims—mostly women and children—still in captivity.
Amid the tense atmosphere, bandits have now issued an unusual demand: before any discussion about ransom can begin, the community must replace or pay for 17 motorcycles the attackers claim to have “lost” during recent military operations. Valued at N1.7 million each, the total amounts to around N28.9 million, a sum far beyond the reach of the already terrified residents.
Confusion After Attack as Government Initially Denies Abductions
The attack occurred early on Sunday morning, yet by Monday, confusion spread as several officials dismissed the reports. The Kaduna State Government, the police command, and the Chairman of Kajuru LGA initially described the story as false. However, the Northern chapter Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, insisted that the attack had indeed taken place and disclosed details of the abductions.
On Tuesday night, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a clarification on X (formerly Twitter). He explained that the earlier remarks by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, were not outright denials, but a careful response pending official confirmation from field operatives. Once confirmed, police authorities acknowledged the mass abduction and stated that officers were working to gather accurate information regarding the identities and number of abducted persons.
Panic Spreads as Kurmin Wali Residents Abandon Homes
When journalists visited Kurmin Wali on Wednesday, the once vibrant community looked deserted. Homes were abandoned, farms left unattended, and schools remained closed indefinitely. The usually lively local market was almost empty, with many shops locked and the few visible residents wearing worried expressions.
A resident, Linus Abu, narrated how the community had barely recovered from an earlier incident on January 11, when armed men kidnapped several villagers.
“We paid N23 million as ransom before the January 11 victims were released,” he recounted. “The terrorists called us, gave instructions, and some of our people carried the money inside sacks into the bush. We had no other option if we wanted our loved ones back.”
The latest incident, however, has taken a different turn. While 11 people escaped during the forced march into the forest, the abductors have not yet made any monetary ransom demand for the remaining 166 captives. Instead, they introduced a new condition related to their lost motorcycles.
Bandits Demand Payment for 17 Motorcycles Before Ransom Talks Can Begin
Reports confirmed that the abductors complained that 17 of their motorcycles went missing during recent military operations in the area. They accused Kurmin Wali residents of either stealing the motorcycles or vandalising them by removing crucial parts like carburettors and spark plugs.
According to villagers, the bandits contacted a negotiator by phone and insisted that the community must first pay for the motorcycles before any discussion about ransom or release of the victims can begin.
“The terrorists said each bike is worth N1.7 million, and we must pay for all of them before they tell us how much ransom they actually want,” Abu explained. “We’re talking about almost N29 million, and that’s before the real ransom.”
The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed that the kidnappers had reached out through a negotiator. He said the abductors remain adamant about their motorcycle demand and have so far avoided mentioning monetary ransom for the hostages.
“Right now, they have only spoken about their motorcycles,” the traditional leader said. “They said we must return them or replace the missing parts. They have not asked for money yet.”
According to him, the bandits believe their loss of motorcycles is connected to the ongoing military operations targeting their camps in parts of Kajuru. Many bandit hideouts have recently been destroyed, forcing displaced bandits into desperate retaliation.
Community in Fear: Residents Scatter, Farms Deserted, Schools Closed
Since the attack, daily life in Kurmin Wali has ground to a halt. The fear of further violence has forced families to flee to neighbouring villages and bushes. Many households are now displaced, and the community structure has shattered.
“There is no school, no farming, nothing,” said resident Hasan Emman. “Most of us have run away. How do we even start negotiating when our people are scattered? Everyone is afraid.”
The silence in the normally lively markets reflects the emotional toll of the crisis. During a visit by reporters, only a handful of people were present, moving quickly and avoiding conversations. They expressed frustration that the government initially denied the incident and failed to send immediate support.
“Our people are suffering in the forest, and the government said nothing happened,” a resident lamented. “If the government won’t believe us, who will help us?”
How the Attack Happened: Witnesses Describe Coordinated Church Raids
According to survivors and church officials, the attack began around 9 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Armed men carrying AK-47 rifles stormed three separate churches while services were ongoing:
- Cherubim and Seraphim Church (two branches)
- Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)
Witnesses say the attackers moved in a coordinated fashion, blocking exits and warning worshippers not to flee. They forced members of different congregations to march toward a central location before moving them into the forest.
Yunana Dauji, Secretary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, explained how the attackers surrounded the church and threatened anyone who tried to escape.
“They gathered more than 50 people from our churches alone,” he stated. “They ordered everyone to follow them.”
Joseph Bawa, Secretary of the ECWA church, offered a similar account.
“They came shouting into the church and started selecting people,” Bawa recalled. “They forced us to march into the bush. They didn’t want anyone left behind.”
Village Head Among the Abducted—Escapes With 10 Others
One of the abducted worshippers was the Village Head, Ishaku Danazumi. His son, Linus Madami, confirmed that although his father escaped the kidnappers, other members of their household remained in captivity.
“My father escaped, but two of his wives and two of his children are still with the kidnappers,” Madami said. “In total, 177 people were taken that morning. I narrowly escaped myself after struggling with one of the gunmen.”
Some victims managed to flee during the long trek through the forest. Bawa described how the kidnappers made the group cross a shallow river. Those who purposely slowed down seized the opportunity to run back to safety after the kidnappers had crossed first and were unable to return quickly.
Military Sources: Attack Linked to Ongoing Offensive Against Bandits
Multiple military officials later confirmed that the mass abduction was tied to ongoing military operations targeting bandit camps in several areas of Kaduna State. Recent offensives in Gabachua, Legede, and the Agwalla Mountain and forest axis forced many armed groups to flee their hideouts.
The sources explained that these areas had served for years as long-established enclaves used by bandits to launch kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks across communities in Kauru, Kajuru, and neighbouring LGAs.
“The attackers were fleeing from our operations,” one military source said. “They lost logistics, including motorcycles. This abduction appears retaliatory—to recover losses and create fear.”
Another military official added that while troops attempted to intercept the fleeing bandits using intelligence tracking, the criminals diverted into rugged forest terrain around the Karamai and Rijana axis, where difficult topography made pursuit challenging.
Despite this, military authorities say “hot pursuit and exploitation operations” are ongoing, with troops sweeping forest corridors and nearby settlements in search of the abductors and their victims.
“Operations are ongoing to stabilise the area and rescue the abducted victims,” a security official confirmed.
A Long-Struggling Region: Kaduna Communities Face Persistent Security Challenges
The crisis in Kurmin Wali underscores the broader insecurity affecting parts of Southern and Central Kaduna. For more than a decade, criminal groups have taken advantage of vast forest spaces, rugged terrain, and porous interstate borders to establish operational bases.
Communities in Kajuru, Kauru, and neighbouring LGAs have repeatedly come under attack despite multiple Federal Government initiatives and military operations. Security analysts note that while recent offensives have successfully dismantled several camps and neutralised many criminals, displaced bandits often launch retaliatory attacks, targeting soft and vulnerable communities as they flee.
Residents have repeatedly called on state and federal authorities to maintain continuous military pressure, deploy more troops, and strengthen intelligence networks to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe rescue of abducted villagers.
Military Announces Progress: Camps Destroyed, Some Victims Rescued
Amid public anxiety, the Commandant of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade in Samaru Kataf, Navy Captain I.T. Akaazua, revealed ongoing successes in military operations across the region.
He disclosed that troops recently rescued three kidnapped victims—one of them a child—during operations in parts of Kauru LGA. Additionally, several terrorist camps were destroyed, weakening the capacity of armed groups.
“During an earlier operation, about 70 terrorists were neutralised,” he said. “Another operation on Tuesday led to the rescue of three victims and the destruction of more camps.”
Akaazua acknowledged the challenges troops face due to the dense forest terrain, which gives criminals an advantage. He noted that many targeted communities are remote and have minimal security presence, making patrols and surveillance more difficult.
“There are still a few camps deep inside thick forest areas that we have not accessed,” he added. “But operations are ongoing to locate them.”
A Community Waiting in Fear and Hoping for Rescue
As the days pass, families in Kurmin Wali remain anxious and unsure of when or how their loved ones will return. With schools closed, farms abandoned, and households displaced, the emotional and economic toll on the community continues to deepen.
For now, the community is caught in a painful waiting game—forced to negotiate under threat while hoping the government and security forces will succeed in rescuing the remaining 166 abducted worshippers.
One resident summarized the community’s sentiments:
“We don’t know what tomorrow holds. We are praying for our people and waiting for help. We just want them back safely.”
Terrorism & Insurgency
Nigerian Troops Overrun Lakurawa Base in Sokoto, Kill Fighters and Recover Weapons
Nigerian troops have overrun a suspected Lakurawa terrorist hideout in Sokoto State, reportedly killing several fighters, destroying camps and recovering weapons and five motorcycles during a military clearance operation.
The operation was carried out on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Waria Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle armed groups operating in north-western Nigeria.
According to the military, troops serving under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched the operation to disrupt the activities of the Lakurawa armed group and prevent it from using remote forest locations as safe havens.
Troops Engage Lakurawa Fighters in Gun Battle
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the task force’s media information officer, soldiers from Sector 2 advanced towards Waria Forest after moving through identified militant locations around Alela, Bilange and Kandam villages.
The troops reportedly encountered armed fighters during the advance, leading to a gun battle.
According to the military, the soldiers overwhelmed the fighters with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat deeper into the forest.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing fighters, killing several of them during the operation, the statement said.
However, the military did not disclose the exact number of fighters killed.
Terrorist Camps Destroyed, Weapons Recovered
Following the confrontation, troops conducted additional searches across the area.
The military said the operation led to the destruction of the group’s camps and associated support structures believed to have sustained its activities in the forest.
Soldiers also recovered weapons and five motorcycles during the clearance operation.
The military statement did not specify the types or quantities of weapons recovered.
The destruction of the camps is expected to disrupt the group’s ability to use the locations as operational bases, although the full impact of the operation was not immediately clear.
Military Intensifies Operations in Sokoto
The Theatre Command said troops had maintained a strong presence in the area and continued clearance operations aimed at restricting the movement of armed groups and improving security in surrounding communities.
The operation forms part of broader military efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts, deny armed groups access to safe havens and prevent fighters from regrouping after military engagements.
The command commended the troops for their efforts and urged residents to support security operations by providing credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.
It also emphasised the importance of cooperation between security agencies and local residents in efforts to improve safety across the region.
Security Challenges Persist in Nigeria’s North-West
Parts of north-western Nigeria have experienced persistent security challenges involving armed groups accused of carrying out attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
Military operations have targeted suspected hideouts in remote areas, including forests that can provide cover for armed groups.
The latest operation in Tangaza represents another effort by Nigerian security forces to disrupt the activities of the Lakurawa group in Sokoto State.
While the military has reported progress from the operation, further details about the number of casualties and the full extent of the recovered weapons have not been released.
Residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant and report credible information about suspicious activities to the appropriate security authorities.
The family of a pregnant woman identified as Jamila is appealing for urgent help after suspected bandits reportedly demanded ₦500 million for her release following her abduction in Millennium City, Kaduna State.
According to reports, the abductors contacted her husband, Abdulkadir Bello, and demanded the huge ransom while the woman remained in captivity.
Jamila was reportedly abducted during a nighttime attack on Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, located in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The circumstances surrounding her current condition remain unclear, raising concerns about her safety and the wellbeing of her unborn child.
Security Reporter Calls for Urgent Intervention
A local security reporter, Bakatsine, raised the alarm over Jamila’s continued detention in a post calling on security agencies, government authorities and members of the public to help secure her release.
The appeal followed reports that Ahmed Abubakar Zakka and his family, who were also abducted in the same area, had attracted public attention after a distressing video from captivity circulated online.
Bakatsine urged Nigerians not to overlook Jamila’s situation, stressing the need for urgent action to bring her home safely.
The security reporter also disclosed that Jamila had reportedly sent a message expressing fear for her life while appealing for assistance.
Her continued detention has heightened concerns among relatives and others following the case, particularly because of her pregnancy and the possibility that she may require medical care.
Husband Reportedly Receives Ransom Demand
Jamila’s husband, Abdulkadir Bello, was reportedly in Abuja when the attack occurred.
According to earlier reports, Bello said his wife contacted him around 11:30 p.m. to inform him that armed men were attempting to force their way into their compound.
He said he tried to contact the police but could not get through, prompting him to reach out to the military, which reportedly deployed personnel to the area.
However, the attackers allegedly abducted his pregnant wife during the incident and later contacted him with a ransom demand.
The reported ₦500 million demand presents a significant challenge for the family as they seek to secure her freedom.
Concerns Over Kidnappings in Kaduna
The abduction has renewed concerns about insecurity in Millennium City and surrounding communities in Kaduna State, where residents have continued to face threats from armed groups.
The same attack reportedly involved the abduction of Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their six-month-old daughter. Reports indicated that the kidnappers demanded ₦300 million for the family’s release.
The incidents have prompted appeals for security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those being held captive.
As of the latest reports, it was unclear whether a rescue operation had commenced or whether authorities had made any official statement specifically addressing Jamila’s case.
Her family and concerned Nigerians continue to hope for her safe return, with calls for urgent intervention to protect both the pregnant woman and her unborn child.
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, drones and social media to finance their activities, recruit members and evade security agencies across West Africa and the Sahel.
Ribadu issued the warning in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a regional training conference focused on detecting and disrupting terrorists’ use of information and communication technologies.
The National Security Adviser was represented at the event by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Garba Laka.
According to Ribadu, the growing use of emerging technologies by terrorist organisations presents new challenges for Nigeria and neighbouring countries, requiring security agencies to strengthen their intelligence capabilities and improve cooperation across national borders.
He stressed that governments must develop the technical expertise needed to identify threats early and prevent attacks before they occur.
How Terrorists Are Exploiting Emerging Technologies
Ribadu said terrorist groups were increasingly using digital platforms to spread propaganda, influence vulnerable individuals, raise funds and coordinate operations across national borders.
He warned that artificial intelligence could help extremist organisations produce targeted propaganda, while drones and autonomous systems could expand their operational capabilities.
Cryptocurrencies and other digital financial services, he added, could create additional channels for financing activities and moving funds.
“Emerging technologies add further complexity,” Ribadu said in remarks delivered at the conference, stressing the need for security agencies to improve their ability to anticipate, detect, analyse and disrupt threats.
He explained that responding to these challenges would require more than purchasing sophisticated surveillance equipment.
According to the National Security Adviser, Nigeria and other countries in the region must invest in skilled personnel, strengthen institutions and improve intelligence-sharing arrangements.
He also emphasised the importance of exchanging actionable cyber threat information quickly, particularly when suspected criminal networks operate across multiple countries.
Boko Haram, ISWAP Among Groups Identified
The Acting Director of the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre, Idriss Lalalli, also warned that terrorist organisations were expanding their use of digital technologies to support recruitment, financing, communication and operational planning.
He identified Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) among the groups exploiting technology across West Africa and the Sahel.
According to Lalalli, extremist organisations use social media to reach potential recruits, while mobile money services, gift cards and cryptocurrencies can be exploited to move or conceal funds.
He also highlighted concerns about the use of drones, satellite communications, artificial intelligence and online marketplaces by terrorist networks.
Lalalli warned that the speed at which these technologies evolve could make it difficult for security agencies to respond effectively, especially in countries where technical expertise and investigative resources remain limited.
He called for stronger regional partnerships and greater cooperation between governments and private-sector operators.
Regional Security Agencies to Receive Specialised Training
The three-day conference, running from October 13 to 15, 2026, was organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre.
The programme is designed to equip security personnel from West Africa and the Sahel with practical skills for investigating technology-related threats.
Areas covered include cyber threat intelligence, open-source intelligence, digital forensics and blockchain analysis.
These capabilities are intended to help investigators identify online recruitment activities, preserve electronic evidence, examine suspicious digital transactions and trace funds suspected of supporting terrorist operations.
The training also focuses on strengthening the ability of security agencies to turn digital intelligence into evidence that can support criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Lalalli stressed that identifying extremist propaganda online would not be enough without the ability to preserve evidence, investigate financial links and present reliable findings before a court.
He also called for stronger working relationships with social media companies, telecommunications operators and financial service providers.
According to him, cooperation with private companies is important because many of the digital platforms and financial services that terrorists may exploit are operated outside government institutions.
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Counterterrorism Cooperation
Ribadu disclosed that Nigeria was working with the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre to secure regional accreditation for the National Counter Terrorism Centre as a centre of excellence for counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.
The proposed recognition is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s role in regional counterterrorism efforts and support cooperation among countries confronting extremist violence.
The initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration at the High-Level Africa Counterterrorism Summit held in April 2024.
Ribadu maintained that no single institution or country could defeat terrorism without cooperation from other stakeholders.
The conference brought together representatives of West African and Sahelian countries, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Multinational Joint Task Force and other regional and international organisations.
Participants are expected to share expertise and strengthen their capacity to detect, investigate and disrupt technology-enabled terrorist activities.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Security Efforts
The warning highlights the growing importance of digital intelligence in counterterrorism operations.
As terrorist groups potentially exploit online platforms, digital financial services and emerging technologies, security agencies face the challenge of adapting their investigative methods while ensuring that evidence is collected and handled according to the law.
Improved intelligence-sharing arrangements, specialised training and cooperation with technology companies could help authorities identify suspicious activities and respond more effectively to cross-border threats.
For Nigeria, the challenge extends beyond acquiring modern equipment. It also involves building the expertise, institutional capacity and regional partnerships needed to respond to an evolving security environment.
The Abuja conference is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen those capabilities across West Africa and the Sahel.
Crime & Conflict2 days agoEl-Rufai Faces Fresh Allegations as Witness Tells Court of $600,000 EFCC Payment Plan
- Breaking Security News2 days ago
INEC Explains Why Pantami, Adebutu Were Omitted From 2027 Governorship Candidates List
- Terrorism & Insurgency2 days ago
Ribadu Raises Alarm as Terrorists Turn to AI, Cryptocurrency and Drones
- Breaking Security News2 days ago
2027 Elections: Timi Frank Asks Trump to Send US Delegation to Nigeria
- Terrorism & Insurgency3 hours ago
Bandits Demand ₦500 Million Ransom for Pregnant Woman Abducted in Kaduna
- Crime & Conflict3 hours ago
Lawyers Ask EFCC to Remove Photos of Clients Facing Corruption Charges
- Breaking Security News3 hours ago
Senate Orders Probe Into NYSC Member’s Death at Enugu Camp, Healthcare Nationwide
- Breaking Security News3 hours ago
Ijaw Youths Warn Tinubu Over Coastal Highway Route, Say South-South Support Could Suffer
