The 166 Christians kidnapped in the Kurmin Wali community in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on 18 January have been released, state authorities confirmed on 5 February.

During a meeting with the freed hostages, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani pledged the commitment of his government for the rehabilitation of the victims, and announced plans to improve community infrastructure, including internal roads, a hospital, and a vocational training centre.

Currently, the circumstances surrounding the release of the hostages remain unclear.

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Over 200 dead in coordinated attacks

The release coincided with a particularly bloody period in the first week of February, when armed groups attacked rural communities in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states.

The deadliest attack took place in Kwara State, where at least 170 people were killed in Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama area. The attackers were active for almost 22 hours, leaving scenes of extreme brutality in their wake. Among the victims were women and children, and an unknown number of people were abducted.

Local leaders reported that, although they had warned the authorities shortly after the attack began, which they blamed on the Boko Haram group, the military response came several hours later.

While most of the victims were Muslim, the attacks show the spread of Islamist extremist groups to the south-western regions of the country, which were traditionally less affected by this type of violence.

On the same day, at least 24 people were killed in Katsina State following armed attacks on the communities of Doma A and Doma B, where the attackers burned houses, shops and vehicles for hours without any real opposition.

In Benue State, another 17 civilians, including a Mobile Police commander, were killed in an attack by Fulani militias on the Abande community, coinciding with market day.

Concern over the authorities’ response

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) expressed its condolences to the victims, as well as its concern over the slow and inadequate response of the security forces during the attacks. The organisation warned of a continued expansion of terrorist activity in Nigeria.

The incidents come at a time when Nigeria has strengthened its military cooperation with the United States, although the authorities stress that this collaboration focuses on training, information sharing, and logistical support.

Nigeria, the deadliest country for Christians

The escalation of violence is part of a particularly serious situation of persecution for Christians in the country. According to the 2026 World Watch List compiled by the NGO Open Doors, 4,849 Christians were murdered in Nigeria in 2025 because of their faith, 72% of the global total.

In an interview with Spanish news website, Protestante Digital, Ted Blake, director of Open Doors Spain, warned of the systematic nature of this violence.

“There is a systematic attack against Christians in the north of the country. In some areas, they are up to six times more likely to be attacked than Muslims”, he said.

The violence has also led to the forced displacement of nearly three million people, while jihadist groups and armed militias continue to expand their reach in different regions of the country.