The Nigerian military has dismissed allegations that it responded sluggishly to the recent abduction of over 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Following the attack last Sunday, some residents accused security forces of failing to act swiftly, claiming troops withdrew after an initial and ineffective attempt to pursue the kidnappers into nearby forests.
Reacting to the claims, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the Armed Forces were actively working to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Director of Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Michael Onoja, acknowledged the fears and frustrations of affected community members but assured them that rescue operations were ongoing.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria have taken note of the concerns raised by displaced residents of Kurmin Wali over the efforts to free their abducted relatives,” Onoja said. “We wish to reassure the communities and the general public that the safe rescue and reintegration of all kidnapped victims remains our top priority.”
The military rejected claims of a delayed or weak response, stressing that coordinated operations were being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Contrary to allegations of inaction, the Armed Forces, working closely with sister security agencies, have been conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations in the affected areas and surrounding forests believed to be hideouts of the criminals,” the statement noted.
According to the DHQ, the operations include ground patrols, surveillance missions, intelligence gathering, and targeted actions carefully designed to locate the kidnappers and rescue the hostages without endangering their lives.
The military explained that what may appear as restraint in some instances is a calculated strategy aimed at protecting the captives and preventing unintended casualties.
“While we recognise the distress and fear experienced by the families of the victims, operational restraint is sometimes necessary to safeguard the hostages,” Onoja said, adding that sensitive details of the operations could not be disclosed for security reasons.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged that every effort was being made to dismantle the criminal networks behind the abduction.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in their mandate and are fully committed to reuniting the kidnapped victims of Kurmin Wali with their families,” the statement added.
The military also appealed to the public for patience, cooperation, and continued support as security operations continue toward a successful outcome.
