President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as security concerns continue to dominate discussions across Northern Nigeria.
The meeting, held on Friday, was largely centred on the worsening kidnapping crisis in parts of Kaduna, as well as recent progress recorded by security forces in the state.
Kaduna Briefs Tinubu on Major Rescue Operation
Governor Uba Sani used the visit to brief the President on what he described as a successful rescue operation involving worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali community, located in Kajuru Local Government Area.
According to the governor, the victims were released through sustained joint operations involving both state and federal security agencies.
He noted that the rescued worshippers regained their freedom over the past week following coordinated efforts to track and pressure the kidnappers.
The January 18 Attack That Shook Kaduna
The abduction took place on January 18, 2026, when armed men reportedly stormed three churches in Kurmin Wali during worship sessions.
More than 100 worshippers were said to have been taken, sparking public outrage and renewed fears about the safety of religious gatherings in the region.
Kajuru LGA has been one of the flashpoints for bandit attacks and mass kidnappings in Kaduna, alongside communities in Birnin Gwari, Giwa and parts of Chikun.
183 Victims Presented After 19 Days in Captivity
In a related development, Governor Sani also received 183 rescued victims on Thursday.
The governor said the victims had spent 19 days in captivity, describing their release as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing fight against criminal gangs.
Background: Kaduna’s Long Struggle With Kidnapping
Kaduna remains one of the states most affected by:
- Banditry and rural kidnappings
- Attacks on highways and isolated communities
- Abductions targeting religious centres and schools
The latest rescue effort is expected to increase pressure on both state and federal authorities to expand security operations, strengthen intelligence, and improve protection for vulnerable communities.
Why This Matters
The mass abduction and rescue in Kajuru highlights a growing national concern: kidnapping has increasingly moved beyond highways and farms to religious spaces, raising fears about public safety and freedom of worship.
It also puts fresh attention on how quickly security agencies can respond to large-scale attacks, especially in communities where residents often complain of delayed intervention.
What Happens Next
Observers expect the Tinubu administration to intensify coordination with state governments, particularly in the North-West, where kidnapping networks remain active.
Kaduna residents will also be watching closely to see whether:
- Arrests will follow the rescue
- Security presence will be strengthened in Kajuru and surrounding LGAs
- Measures will be introduced to prevent similar attacks on churches and other public gatherings
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