By Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian military has dismissed allegations of a slow or ineffective response to the abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, insisting that sustained rescue operations are ongoing.
More than 100 worshippers were reportedly abducted last Sunday after gunmen attacked the community, triggering outrage among residents who accused security forces of failing to act swiftly.
Some community members claimed that troops made only a brief attempt to pursue the attackers into nearby forests before withdrawing, fueling concerns over the pace and seriousness of the response.
However, the Defence Headquarters rejected the allegations, stressing that operations to rescue the victims are active, deliberate, and carefully coordinated.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media Operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Major General Michael Onoja, the military acknowledged the anguish of affected families and reassured them that the safe rescue of all abducted persons remains a top priority.
Onoja said that contrary to claims of inaction, troops working alongside other security agencies are conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations within the affected areas and adjoining forests believed to serve as hideouts for the kidnappers.
According to him, the operations involve a combination of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted missions designed to locate the perpetrators without endangering the hostages.
The military explained that what may appear as operational restraint is often a calculated tactical decision aimed at protecting the lives of the captives and avoiding unintended harm.
“While specific operational details must remain confidential for security reasons, substantial efforts are ongoing to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions,” the statement said.
The military also reiterated its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, assuring residents that it remains resolute in its efforts to reunite the abducted worshippers with their families, while urging the public to support security agencies with credible information as operations continue.