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A security expert, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, has warned that politicising kidnapping incidents in Kaduna State only strengthens criminal groups and delays the rescue of victims.
Speaking amid the controversy surrounding the recent church abductions in Kajuru Local Government Area, Adamu said kidnapping in Kaduna is fundamentally a security challenge, not a political one.
“The perpetrators are organised criminal groups driven mainly by ransom. They exploit gaps in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and weak security presence in rural communities,” he said in an exclusive interview with DAILYPOST on Wednesday.
According to him, turning security incidents into political, ethnic, or religious arguments distracts attention from real operational failures and weakens coordinated responses.
“The issue has been heavily politicised. Incidents are often interpreted through political, ethnic, or religious lenses, which shifts focus from operational security failures to blame and rhetoric. This politicisation benefits criminals by weakening coordination and public trust.
“From a security standpoint, once kidnapping is politicised, rescue operations suffer and captivity is prolonged.”
He stressed that what Kaduna needs is a professional, intelligence-led approach rather than public disputes and blame trading.
“What is required is a depoliticised security strategy, stronger inter-agency coordination, and deliberate efforts to disrupt the ransom economy, not political arguments,” he added.
Recall that bandits on Sunday attacked churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and abducted worshippers.
Initial reports claimed that over 100 people were taken, but the Kaduna State Government and the Police Command dismissed the figures as false and misleading.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), however, confirmed the attack, stating that 177 worshippers were initially abducted from three churches.
CAN’s Kajuru LGA chairperson, Enoch Kaura, said about 10 people later escaped and called on security agencies to rescue those still in captivity.
A list of the abducted worshippers was later released by the Chikun/Kajuru Active Citizens Congress (CKACC).
Following this, the police later admitted that the attack did occur.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had deployed operatives to ensure the abducted persons are safely rescued.
He also said communication had been consistent and based on verified information available at each stage of the response.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Hundeyin said the police had maintained a consistent position in their statements on the incident.
“The (Kaduna State) Commissioner of Police said when we received the information and immediately, we mobilised there and we are yet to get any evidence as this happened.
“The moment we got evidence, we also came out to say that we have gotten evidence. So there is no inconsistency,” he added.
Governor Uba Sani has also visited the community and pledged that his administration, working with security agencies, will ensure the safe return of all abducted worshippers.
Politicising abduction of 177 worshippers from Kaduna churches puts victims in danger – Amb. Adamu
