The United States has urged the Nigerian government to take firmer and more proactive steps to safeguard Christian communities following the reported abduction of over 170 worshippers in Kaduna State.
The incident initially sparked confusion after Kaduna State authorities and the police denied that any abduction had taken place. However, days later, the police confirmed that the worshippers were indeed kidnapped, intensifying concerns over insecurity and religiously motivated violence in the region.
According to security sources, the abductors are allegedly demanding the return of 17 motorcycles—estimated to be worth ₦28.9 million—which they claim were confiscated during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the captives.
Speaking at a U.S.–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said recent attacks show that Nigeria must do more to ensure the safety of Christians and protect their right to worship freely.
While acknowledging progress made in securing the release of abducted Christians in Kwara State and from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Hooker expressed concern over the Kaduna incident, stressing that continued violence undermines religious freedom and security.
She noted that improved protection of religious communities would strengthen U.S.–Nigeria relations in areas such as trade, counterterrorism, healthcare collaboration, and humanitarian efforts, including the safe return of internally displaced persons.
In response, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, admitted the severity of the security challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling violence across the country.
Ribadu emphasized that Nigeria is a plural society where the protection of all citizens—regardless of religion—is non-negotiable. He said attacks framed along religious lines are treated as threats to national security and would be met with decisive action.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised expanded security deployments, improved intelligence coordination, and intensified investigations into attacks on religious communities.
Ribadu added that the government is also strengthening early-warning systems, rapid-response mechanisms, and developing a national database to improve accountability and prosecution of perpetrators.
He assured that security operations would be matched with justice, transparency, and humanitarian safeguards to rebuild public confidence and social cohesion.