Kurmin Wali

Kurmin Wali is a village located in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria. It gained international attention in January 2026 due to a mass kidnapping incident. Gunmen attacked multiple churches during Sunday services, abducting over 160 villagers and churchgoers. The event sparked conflicting reports, with church leaders confirming the abductions while police initially denied them. The kidnappings led to widespread fear and displacement, with many residents leaving Kurmin Wali permanently. While some hostages were reported to have escaped, the Nigerian military announced the rescue of 62 hostages in separate operations, though it's unclear if any were from Kurmin Wali. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) later claimed all abductees had been released, but the government has yet to confirm this. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and the vulnerability of communities in northern Nigeria to armed groups and banditry.