Militants abduct more than 160 Christians in Nigeria during church services

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Central Mosque in Kaduna, Nigeria. Photo: Marvellous Durowaiye / Reuters

On January 18, 2026, in northwestern Nigeria, armed militants carried out a series of attacks on Christian churches during Sunday worship services and abducted more than 160 believers, Tribune Chrétienne reports.

Armed groups struck three churches in Kaduna State at the same time, bursting into the buildings in the middle of services. The attacks took place in the settlement of Kurmin Wali, located in hard-to-reach forest terrain.

According to Kaduna State lawmaker Usman Danlami Stingo, the assailants targeted the Evangelical Church “Victory Over All,” the “Cherubim and Seraphim” church, as well as a Catholic church. Church leaders and local officials said that 177 people were initially reported missing. Later it emerged that 11 parishioners managed to escape, but at least 160 Christians remain in the militants’ captivity.

Kaduna State police have not yet released official figures on casualties. Security representatives say the rugged landscape, dense forests, and the poor condition of the roads severely complicate rapid operations and the search for the kidnappers. None of the armed groups has claimed responsibility.

Christian communities say the threat to believers is escalating – even going to church can end in abduction or death.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Islamists in Nigeria killed 13 Christians.

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