Bomba Dauda
The remaining 87 persons abducted from Kurmin Wali town in the Afogu Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been released.
Not fewer than 177 victims were taken away by suspected kidnappers on January 18, 2026, at dawn while residents were attending a church service in the community.
The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’Azumi who confirmed this to Invicta News, said the release took place in the early hours of today, Thursday.
Another community leader told Gurara Accord that between 11 p.m. and midnight, heavy-duty vehicles were seen moving into a forest around Maro town, and later returned with the abducted persons between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. from the Maro axis.
Dan’Azumi stated further that the DSS called and informed them of the released, and that himself and other community leaders were on their way to Kaduna to meet with released 87 abductees.
He commended the Kaduna state government, security agencies, the media and all those that played any roles leading to the release of the victims.
It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims or whether the 17 motorcycles demanded by their abductors were given.
Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani has confirmed today, Wednesday that a joint security operation coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rescued scores of worshippers kidnapped during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18.
The Governor confirmed the safe release of the remaining 82 abducted worshippers from captivity, commended the DSS, ONSA, and other security agencies for what he described as gallantry, professionalism, and swift response in the rescue operation.
However, a credible security source disclosed that the number of those rescued in the operation was over 100, including children and infants.
