A carefully coordinated security operation has brought renewed hope to communities in southern Kaduna after scores of worshippers abducted during a church service were freed from captivity.
The operation, led by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), followed weeks of intelligence gathering, planning, and sustained pressure on criminal networks operating in the area.
The abduction occurred on January 18 when armed attackers stormed a church during worship in Kurmin Wali, a quiet settlement in Kajuru Local Government Area.
The assault shocked residents and faith leaders alike, as families were torn apart in a matter of minutes.
In total, 177 worshippers, including women, children, and elderly members of the congregation, were taken away, plunging the community into grief and uncertainty.
Governor Uba Sani confirmed that 82 of the abducted worshippers have now returned safely.
Speaking during a visit to the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where the rescued victims are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support, the governor described the development as a major breakthrough.
He noted that the rescue was the result of sustained collaboration among federal and state security institutions, backed by actionable intelligence and logistical support.
However, a credible security source familiar with the operation disclosed that the number of those rescued exceeded the official figure announced by the governor.
According to the source, more than 100 individuals were freed during the operation, including infants and very young children.
The discrepancy, the source explained, was due to ongoing verification and the sensitive nature of rescue operations, which often require phased disclosures to protect both victims and operatives.
The attack on Kurmin Wali had initially left 166 people in captivity after 11 worshippers reportedly regained their freedom in the days following the incident.
Those early releases offered little comfort to families still waiting for news of their loved ones.
Community leaders repeatedly appealed to authorities, religious groups, and civil society organisations to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
Security officials involved in the latest operation said the rescue was executed with precision to avoid harm to the captives.
Operatives drawn from the DSS and ONSA worked alongside state-backed security assets, combining surveillance, negotiation channels, and tactical deployment.
The operation, according to sources, was guided by the principle of safeguarding lives while dismantling the operational capabilities of the abductors.
During his interaction with the rescued worshippers, Governor Sani expressed deep sympathy for the trauma they endured. He assured them that the state would continue to support their recovery, both physically and emotionally.
Medical professionals and counsellors have been deployed to help victims cope with the psychological impact of captivity, while arrangements are being made for their eventual reintegration into their communities.
The governor also addressed the lingering fears within Kurmin Wali and surrounding villages, stressing that security operations were ongoing to secure the release of those still held hostage.
He expressed optimism that the remaining abductees would regain their freedom within days, adding that the government would not relent until every victim is safely reunited with their family.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance, Governor Sani said the fight against banditry and kidnapping remains a top priority.
He emphasized that criminal groups would continue to face sustained pressure across Kaduna State, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
According to him, restoring confidence among residents requires not only rescue operations but also long-term security reforms and community engagement.
The successful rescue has also reignited discussions about protecting places of worship and other soft targets.
Faith leaders in the region have called for improved early-warning systems and closer collaboration between communities and security agencies.
Residents of Kurmin Wali, while relieved by the recent development, say lasting peace will depend on preventing such attacks from occurring in the first place.
Governor Sani commended the DSS, ONSA, and other security agencies for their professionalism, bravery, and swift response.
He described the operation as evidence that coordinated action can yield results against organised crime.
As Kaduna continues to confront security challenges, the rescue stands as a reminder that persistence, intelligence-led operations, and cooperation remain critical to safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy.
Ireport247news
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