Nigerian Police Make U-Turn, Confirm Abductions In Kajuru Community, Kaduna

Abuja, Nigeria– The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that an abduction incident did take place in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, days after initial confusion and public denial surrounding the incident triggered outrage and anxiety among residents and the wider public.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police acknowledged the growing concern generated by reports of the abductions and admitted that the incident had now been verified through operational and intelligence channels.

According to the statement, the Force understands the fear and distress such reports cause to families, residents, and Nigerians at large, stressing that the safety of citizens remains a top priority for the Police.

The abduction reportedly occurred in Kurmin Wali, a rural community that has in recent years been exposed to repeated attacks by armed groups.

Following reports of the incident, the Kaduna State Governor convened an emergency meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Kaduna to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response.

However, during that meeting, some individuals from the affected local government area reportedly disputed the abduction claims, describing them as false.

This disagreement, according to the Police, created uncertainty and prompted the need for caution and further verification before issuing a definitive public position on the matter.

The controversy was further fueled by comments made by the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State during a media interaction, which many Nigerians interpreted as a denial that any abduction had taken place.

The remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media, with residents and civil society groups accusing authorities of downplaying insecurity in southern Kaduna.

Clarifying the issue, the Force said the Commissioner’s comments were misunderstood.

“In this context, comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed,” the statement said.

“Those remarks, which have since been widely misinterpreted, were not a denial of the incident but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected.”

Following further checks and intelligence gathering, the Police said subsequent verification from operational units confirmed that the abduction indeed occurred.

As a result, coordinated security operations have now been activated in Kajuru and surrounding communities.

The Police disclosed that they are working closely with other security agencies with the primary objective of locating and safely rescuing the abducted victims, while also restoring calm and preventing further attacks in the area.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and nearby communities.

These measures include the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue missions, and other proactive steps aimed at protecting lives and property.

Residents of Kajuru Local Government Area have repeatedly raised alarm over worsening insecurity, including kidnappings, attacks on villages, and alleged slow responses by security agencies.

Community leaders have called on both the federal and Kaduna State governments to move beyond statements and ensure sustained security presence in vulnerable rural areas.

In its statement, the Nigeria Police Force appealed to members of the public and the media to exercise patience and cooperate with security agencies as operations continue.

The Force urged Nigerians to rely on official police communications for verified information and to avoid speculation or sensational reporting that could compromise ongoing rescue efforts or further heighten public anxiety.

“The Force remains fully committed to the safety of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold,” the statement added.