By Stephen — Dalena Reporters
November 27, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria says it successfully secured the release of dozens of church members kidnapped earlier this month after security agencies established direct contact with the terrorists responsible for the abduction. Officials insist that no ransom was paid and that the captives were freed “unharmed” following what they describe as a non-kinetic, intelligence-driven operation.
The victims — members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, Kwara State — were seized on November 18, 2025, while returning from a church programme. Their abduction triggered nationwide outrage, with families, religious groups, and civil-society organizations demanding urgent government action.
According to Presidency officials, the rescue was achieved after the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian military established communication channels with the kidnappers. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that the armed group was warned that the government was prepared to launch a full military intervention if the captives were harmed.
“Security forces contacted the abductors and made it clear that any attack on the victims would provoke a decisive response. That pressure contributed to their safe release,” a senior government source told Dalena Reporters on condition of anonymity.
On Sunday, November 23, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that all abducted worshippers had been freed, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for issuing direct instructions to national security agencies to prioritize the case.
While the government hailed the outcome as proof of its “renewed security strategy,” critics note that several key questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not disclosed the identity or whereabouts of the kidnappers, whether any arrests were made, or how communication was initiated with the armed group. Human-rights observers warn that frequent negotiations with criminal groups may unintentionally embolden more abductions.
Security analysts also argue that although non-kinetic methods can prevent loss of life, they cannot replace long-term reforms needed to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across Nigeria’s forests and rural communities.
Families of the rescued church members have expressed relief, but many Nigerians remain concerned that repeated mass abductions continue to expose deep security gaps across the country.
DALENA REPORTERS will continue to monitor developments, including ongoing investigations and the government’s next steps in addressing the surge in kidnappings nationwide.