Military vows safe rescue of Kurmin Wali abductees amid rising anxiety

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reiterated its commitment to the safe rescue of residents abducted from Kurmin Wali in Kajuru Local Government Area, assuring affected communities that security operations remain active and coordinated despite public concerns.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said the military was fully aware of the anxiety gripping families of the abducted victims but stressed that their safe return remains a top operational priority.

Onoja dismissed suggestions that security efforts had slowed, explaining that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, were carrying out continuous, intelligence-driven operations in Kurmin Wali and adjoining forest areas suspected to be kidnappers’ hideouts.

According to him, the operations combine ground patrols, surveillance missions and intensive intelligence gathering, alongside carefully targeted actions designed to avoid putting the hostages at risk.

He noted that what may appear as restraint in certain situations is a deliberate tactical decision aimed at preventing unintended harm to the captives, adding that the military is balancing speed with caution to ensure successful outcomes.

The spokesman further disclosed that significant efforts are underway to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions, reaffirming the AFN’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

Onoja appealed to residents for patience and continued cooperation, assuring them that no effort would be spared until all abducted persons from Kurmin Wali are safely reunited with their families.