Thirty-eight churchgoers abducted by terrorists freed in Nigeria

President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu. Photo: The Cable

On 24 November 2025, Nigerian authorities reported the release of 38 worshippers kidnapped by terrorists in Kwara State. President Bola Tinubu announced the development, according to The Cable.

The head of state emphasized that all hostages seized during the attack on the congregation in western Nigeria were rescued through coordinated efforts by the security forces. He stated that he personally oversaw the operations, having canceled his trip to the G20 summit in South Africa for that purpose.

The president added that the security situation remains under his constant supervision. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” Tinubu assured.

The attack on the church occurred during the night of 18–19 November, when terrorists opened fire on parishioners, killing five and then taking 38 people hostage. The incident caused a strong public outcry across the country.

In Nigeria, kidnappings are frequently used by criminal groups as a means of obtaining ransom. The most notorious attacks are linked to Boko Haram militants, who have been active since 2009 and seek to seize power. One of the most infamous cases was the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014, many of whom have still not been returned.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the U.S. Ambassador to the UN described the persecution of Christians in Nigeria as genocide.

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