Police Claim 80 Abducted Christians Are Free: The Church Says They Are Still Missing
Nigeria: 166 Christians Still Missing After Kaduna Church Kidnappings as Police and CAN Dispute Claims
On January 18th, gunmen stormed three churches in Kaduna state, northern Nigeria, and seized 177 Christian worshippers during services. The attackers disappeared with their captives into nearby forests, leaving families in anguish and communities devastated.
Kaduna police spokesperson Mansur Hassan now claims 80 of those reported missing had actually fled to nearby villages during the attack and only returned home over the weekend "when they felt safe." Police say they have invited these individuals to headquarters for "verification of their identities, screening and health assessments."
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) flatly rejects this narrative. Local chairman Reverend Caleb Maaji states that except for 11 escapees currently receiving hospital treatment, all 166 abductees remain missing. The families know the truth. The Church knows the truth.
Nigerian Christians Face Deadly Persecution as Government Disputes Abduction Numbers
This assault is part of an escalating pattern of mass abductions targeting Nigerian Christians. Open Doors ranks Nigeria 7th among the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians and the deadliest, accounting for 3,490 of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith globally in the 2026 reporting year. U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians, allegations the Nigerian government denies.
The Crusader's Opinion
When police claim victims have "returned home" while the Church says they are still captive, who do you believe? This is gaslighting on a national scale. Nigerian authorities are trying to minimize a crisis that has claimed thousands of Christian lives. The facts are clear: 166 believers remain missing. Their families are suffering. The world must not let official denials erase their reality. We demand accountability, transparency, and the safe return of every single abducted Christian.
Take Action
- Donate: Open Doors Nigeria Emergency Relief
- Contact: Email Nigerian Embassy demanding answers on missing Christians
- Share: Post this story. Ask why official numbers contradict what families report.
- Pray: Pray for the 166 missing believers and their families in Kaduna
- Learn: Read Open Doors Nigeria country profile
