Force admits earlier denial was based on conflicting reports, says tactical units have been deployed for rescue operations.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the abduction of more than 100 church worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, barely 24 hours after initially dismissing reports of the incident.
Gunmen had attacked three churches in the community on Sunday, abducting about 167 worshippers. However, the Kaduna State Police Command on Monday described the reports as false, accusing “conflict entrepreneurs” of spreading misinformation to destabilise the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, had challenged those reporting the incident to provide names and details of the alleged victims, insisting there was no official record of such abductions.
The police denial drew sharp reactions from Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria (CSW-N), a human rights organisation, which insisted the abductions occurred. The group further accused security operatives of obstructing its attempt to independently verify the incident, alleging that its team was barred from accessing the community despite proper identification.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the initial denial followed conflicting accounts presented during a Kaduna State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Uba Sani.
Hundeyin explained that some representatives from Kajuru LGA disputed the abduction claims at the meeting, prompting comments by the commissioner of police aimed at preventing public panic while verification was ongoing.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” the statement said.
Following the confirmation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units and intelligence assets to Kajuru and neighbouring communities. According to Hundeyin, the operation includes intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue missions, and enhanced security measures to protect lives and property.
He urged the public and the media to rely on official police channels for verified information and to avoid speculation that could jeopardise rescue efforts, assuring that further updates would be provided as the situation evolves.