US tasks Nigeria on stronger action over Kaduna abductions
Under Secretary Allison Hooker leads security talks in Abuja
The United States government has expressed “fresh concerns” over the security situation in Nigeria, specifically tasking the Federal Government to take more decisive action following the mass abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State.
During a high-level United States-Nigeria Working Group meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, emphasized that the protection of vulnerable communities must be a top priority. She noted that the recent kidnapping of 177 Christians in Kajuru highlights the urgent need for a more robust security architecture.
Hooker, who is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Nigeria under the Trump administration, stated that advancing religious freedom is central to bilateral relations. She argued that “persistent attacks on religious communities undermine security gains and public confidence.” While acknowledging recent progress, such as the rescue of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School, she maintained that the Kaduna incident proves that the current measures are insufficient. The U.S. delegation specifically urged the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators to ensure they are held accountable.
The Under Secretary further explained that a safer environment would unlock reciprocal benefits, including expanded trade and increased U.S. private sector investment. She revealed that the United States is willing to assist with intelligence sharing and the interdiction of weapons and funding going to terrorist groups. However, she underscored that the “onus remains on the Nigerian government” to guarantee that all citizens, regardless of faith, can practice their religion without fear of being snatched from their places of worship.
National Security Adviser Ribadu pledges intensified operations
In response to the U.S. demands, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the magnitude of the security challenges facing the country. He assured the U.S. delegation that President Bola Tinubu has already authorized expanded security deployments and enhanced intelligence coordination across the North-West and North-Central. Ribadu described attacks framed along religious lines as “unacceptable” and an assault on the Nigerian state itself.
The NSA disclosed that the government is currently developing a national database to serve as an “authoritative source” of data on casualties from violence. This effort is aimed at strengthening evidence-based decision-making and improving the effectiveness of rapid-response mechanisms. He also noted that military operations, including Operation Fasan Yamma, have been intensified in high-risk areas to flush out bandits and rescue the 177 worshippers still in captivity.
Despite the firm stance from the United States, the Federal Government delegation continued to push back on the framing of the conflict as purely religious. They argued that the violence in the Middle Belt often stems from dwindling resources and climate-related clashes rather than “systematic genocide.” However, Ribadu conceded that the state must do more to protect the rights of all citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of belief, in line with the Constitution.
Civil society and victims’ families demand immediate results
As the diplomatic talks concluded in Abuja, the atmosphere in Kaduna remains tense, with families of the abducted worshippers declaring a period of fasting and prayer. Many residents expressed skepticism regarding the promises made at high-level meetings, citing the initial “denial” of the attack by state authorities as a sign of government apathy. Community leaders in Kajuru have called for a “physical presence” of security forces in their villages rather than “paper promises” from the capital.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also weighed in, urging the Federal Government to look beyond military force and address the underlying “impunity” enjoyed by bandits. They pointed out that the kidnappers have become so bold that they now demand the return of seized motorcycles as a condition for the release of their victims. Human rights groups have warned that if the 177 captives are not rescued safely, it could further strain Nigeria’s relationship with its international partners.
The U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group is expected to continue its sessions through the week, focusing on counter-terrorism and the return of IDPs to their communities. For the victims of the Kaduna abduction, the time for diplomatic “working groups” is running out as they face another night in the forest. The eyes of the international community are firmly fixed on the Tinubu administration to see if the “fresh concerns” from Washington will translate into life-saving action on the ground.
