The Kaduna State Government has dismissed a report ranking the state among the highest in kidnapping cases nationwide, describing it as “false, mischievous and irresponsible.”
In a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry of Information and signed by Commissioner-Designate, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the government faulted an SB Morgen report which alleged that 629 people were abducted in Kaduna between July 2024 and June 2025.
“The publication is nothing but a figment of the authors’ imagination, designed to discredit the Kaduna Peace Model that has been widely acknowledged by security agencies and international partners,” the statement said.
According to the government, Governor Uba Sani’s peace and security blueprint has restored normalcy to flashpoints, reclaimed over 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmlands, and reopened livestock markets in Birnin Gwari and Giwa that had been closed for more than a decade.
The statement urged citizens to disregard the report, warning that sensational claims only undermine the morale of security forces “working tirelessly to protect communities.” Officials cited 34 security operations carried out in April alone, resulting in 54 arrests, 75 rescues, and the dismantling of several criminal hideouts.
The government further highlighted its non-kinetic strategy through the Kaduna Peace Dialogue Group, which engages communities and reintegrates repentant bandits.
“Our priority remains the safety and well-being of Kaduna citizens,” the statement concluded. “We call on the public to remain vigilant, united and focused on building sustainable peace in our state.”