IGP Kayode Egbetokun
Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident occurred in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following days of uncertainty and conflicting reports about the situation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, acknowledged the widespread concern triggered by initial reports of the incident, noting that such developments naturally generate fear and anxiety among families, residents, and the wider public.
CSP Hundeyin assured that the safety of citizens remains a top priority.
According to him, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by Governor Uba Sani shortly after the report emerged. During the meeting at the Government House in Kaduna, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the earlier police confirmation of the abduction, describing it as false.
The Police said this dispute created uncertainty and reinforced the need for caution and thorough verification before making conclusive public statements on such a sensitive matter.
Explaining earlier remarks that sparked public confusion, the Force spokesman clarified that comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were meant to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed.
“Those remarks, which have since been widely misinterpreted, were not a denial of the incident but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected,” he said.
The police PRO said subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has now confirmed that the incident did occur.
“The Nigeria Police Force therefore activated coordinated security operations, working closely with other security agencies, with a clear focus on locating and safely rescuing the victims and restoring calm to the area,” the statement added.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
“These efforts include deployment of tactical units as well as intensified patrols already in place, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property,” the Force. Spokesman said.
Appealing for restraint, CSP Hundeyin urged members of the public and the media to exercise patience and cooperation, advising reliance on official police communications for verified information.
He warned against speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.
“The Force remains fully committed to the safety of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold,” he concluded.
