The United States has voiced serious concern about Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard Christian communities following the abduction of more than 170 worshippers in Kaduna State, amid reports that the assailants were seen moving unimpeded through forest routes with their captives several days after the attack.
On Sunday, armed men attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting 177 worshippers. Eleven of the victims later escaped, while 166 remain in captivity.
The concerns were raised as a senior United States delegation arrived in Nigeria on Thursday for a week-long diplomatic engagement focused on reviewing counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable religious groups across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The visit is part of the United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
The meeting took place amid renewed diplomatic tension following the redesignation of Nigeria by US President Donald Trump as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom. The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected claims of systemic persecution of Christians, maintaining that insecurity affects Nigerians across all religious groups.
Speaking at the meeting, Hooker said the recent attacks underscored persistent security vulnerabilities. “Despite reported security operations, Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria remain dangerously exposed,” she said.
She noted that the talks were aimed at strengthening cooperation between both countries. “Our discussions today are focused on how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritise counterterrorism efforts, investigate attacks, hold perpetrators accountable, and reduce killings, forced displacement and abductions, particularly in the North Central region,” Hooker said.
While acknowledging recent progress, she cited the release of abducted worshippers in previous incidents. “The Nigerian government recently secured the release of 38 Christians abducted from a church in Kwara State, as well as 265 individuals taken from St Mary’s Catholic School. These outcomes demonstrate that sustained engagement can yield tangible results,” she said.
However, Hooker said the mass abduction in Kaduna State highlighted continuing security lapses. “We are deeply concerned by reports that more than 170 Christians were abducted in Kaduna on January 18. The government of Nigeria must do more to ensure that Christians are protected and are able to practise their faith freely and safely,” she said.
She added that advances in religious freedom and security would strengthen wider bilateral relations. “Improving religious freedom and security will enhance the reciprocal benefits of our relationship, including trade and economic cooperation, public health collaboration and joint efforts to counter terrorism,” Hooker said.
Meanwhile, security sources confirmed that the abductors of the Kurmin Wali worshippers were seen moving with their victims between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities in Kajuru Local Government Area, using forest corridors long identified as criminal hideouts.
The kidnappers are reportedly demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at N28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for the release of the captives.