United States Presses Nigeria to Bolster Security for Christian Communities Following Kaduna Kidnapping
The United States has issued a strong appeal to the Nigerian government to significantly enhance protective measures for Christian communities across the nation. This urgent call follows the distressing abduction of more than 170 worshippers in Kaduna State, an event that has reignited serious concerns regarding religiously motivated violence within Nigeria's borders.
Details of the Kaduna Abduction and Ransom Demands
The mass kidnapping reportedly took place on January 18, 2026. Initially, the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force denied the incident, but authorities later confirmed its occurrence. According to reliable sources, the kidnappers have presented a specific condition for the release of the victims. They are demanding the return of seventeen motorcycles, with an estimated total value of ₦28.9 million. These motorcycles were allegedly confiscated by security forces during recent military operations in the region.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement in Abuja
The formal request was delivered during a crucial session of the United States–Nigeria Working Group meeting, convened in the capital city of Abuja. U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, articulated the American position, emphasizing that Nigeria must undertake more decisive actions to guarantee the safety of Christians and to uphold their fundamental right to practice their faith without fear or hindrance.
“Persistent attacks on religious communities undermine security gains and public confidence,” Hooker stated during the discussions. “We are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritise counterterrorism, investigate attacks and hold perpetrators accountable, and reduce the number of killings, forced displacements and abductions, particularly in the North Central states.”
Recent Successes and Ongoing Concerns
Hooker referenced recent positive developments, including the successful release of thirty-eight worshippers abducted from a church in Kwara State and the freedom of two hundred and sixty-five students from St. Mary’s Catholic School. She attributed these outcomes to the sustained diplomatic engagement and collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian authorities. However, she expressed profound concern over the Kaduna abduction, urging the implementation of stronger, more effective measures to safeguard religious freedom and prevent such incidents.
The Under Secretary further elaborated that advancing religious freedom and enhancing overall security would serve to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This improved cooperation is expected to yield benefits across multiple sectors, including:
- Enhanced trade and economic partnerships
- More robust health response initiatives
- Strengthened counterterrorism efforts
- Support for the safe return of internally displaced persons to their home communities
Nigeria's Official Response and Security Commitments
In response, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the immense scale of the security challenges facing the country. He pledged that military and law enforcement operations would be intensified in the affected areas. Ribadu described acts of religiously motivated violence as completely unacceptable, affirming that such attacks would be treated as direct assaults on the sovereignty and integrity of the Nigerian state.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens, Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu declared. “Our response integrates security operations, the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication to ensure operational successes translate into public confidence and strengthened social cohesion.”
Presidential Directives and Justice Assurance
Ribadu disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized a comprehensive security strategy. This includes:
- Expanded security deployments to vulnerable regions
- Enhanced coordination of intelligence gathering and sharing
- Thorough and expedited investigations into attacks specifically targeting religious communities
The National Security Adviser provided firm assurances that all individuals responsible for these heinous acts would be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice through the legal system. The dialogue underscores the critical intersection of security, human rights, and international diplomacy in addressing Nigeria's complex challenges.
