Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the 183 worshippers who were taken during coordinated attacks on three churches in Kurmin Wali on 18th January have returned.
It was reported previously that a number of the abductees escaped captivity and returned home.
According to Governor Sani, 11 captives escaped, leaving 172 in the kidnappers' den, who have all now returned to their homes.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the incident after earlier denials.
Police spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said operatives verified the reports: “verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur.
Government house sources have backed the governor's claim that 11 people escaped during the attack, and that the remaining captives were later freed.
“The remaining worshippers have been released,” a senior police source told reporters, adding the freed victims were being cared for by government agencies.
Governor Sani visited those who fled and urged continued security support for Kurmin Wali, where many residents remain fearful and some are leaving the village.
Human rights groups and church leaders have called for a fast, transparent investigation and better protection for remote communities.
Authorities say arrests and rescue operations are ongoing and that anyone involved in the attacks will face the law.
