Southern Kaduna: Three Christian vigilantes detained after helping troops rescue kidnap victim from terrorists
…Community security volunteers held atCID as families demand their release, citing cooperation with military forces
KADUNA– Three Christian vigilante members from Kajim village in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been held in Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detention since Monday, 16 February 2026, sparking allegations of religious persecution and raising questions about community security participation in Nigeria’s troubled Middle Belt region.
The detained men – Habila Yaro Umaru (aka ‘Yaro’), Philibus Ninyioh (aka ‘MC Filibus’), and Augustine Tinat (aka ‘Election’) – are volunteer vigilantes who assisted military personnel during an anti-terrorism operation on 13 January 2026. As of Ash Wednesday, 18 February 2026, they remain in custody.
The January 13 Incident
According to a military statement released on 14 January 2026 by Captain Joshua Atu John, Acting Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), troops from Sector 7 responded to reports of terrorist activity on the Jos-Kaduna road between Manchok and Jankasa.
The military reported that Fulani terrorists had blocked the road, kidnapped several persons including a young woman from Kajim who was allegedly raped. In the ensuing firefight, troops neutralized three individuals and rescued the victim.
Community sources indicate the three vigilante members were part of the joint operation, working alongside military personnel in accordance with established security cooperation protocols in the area.
Allegations of Targeting
Approximately one month after the military operation, community members learned that associates of the neutralized terrorists had submitted a petition to authorities in Kaduna, allegedly facilitated by the state government, seeking action against the vigilante members.
One community contact alleged the petition was coordinated by Ardo Hari, a Fulani migrant from Bauchi now residing in Manchok. Community sources claim Ardo Hari has been previously arrested in connection with attacks, kidnappings, and the abduction and assassination of Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu on Ash Wednesday, 5 March 2025.
A video circulating on social media allegedly shows Governor Uba Sani standing with Ardo Hari in Manchok on 15 June 2025, with the governor heard saying, “there is no indigene or visitor, Fulanis should feel free to herd their cattle while farmers go about their agricultural activities.”
Pattern of Violence
Community members report escalating security challenges since mid-2025, including:
– Systematic destruction of crops by cattle sent into farmlands
– Multiple cases of rape, abductions, and killings
– A Christmas Day attack on 25 December 2025 that resulted in the death of Istifanus Stephen, a young man from First Baptist Church Kwarga who died attempting to defend a young woman from abduction
Five days after the 13 January incident, a public notice circulated on social media warning of “a planned attack by Fulani youth any moment from this night on Kajim village close to Manchok in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State.” The alleged attack did not materialize.
Timing and International Context
The detention coincides with the US Congress advancing the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457), which specifically identifies Fulani terrorists and Miyetti Allah in connection with patterns of religious persecution in Nigeria.
Community members question why vigilantes who cooperated with federal military forces are now in detention while alleged terrorist associates remain free. They also note the irony that the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa – now Minister of Defence – hails from Southern Kaduna.
Reports indicate a meeting was held in Manchok on 18 February involving the local chief and alleged members of Miyetti Allah from Jos, though the purpose of this meeting has not been confirmed.
Official Response
As of press time, neither the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, nor military authorities have issued statements regarding the detention of the three vigilante members.
Community members are calling for the immediate release of the detained men, arguing they were fulfilling their lawful duties as community security volunteers in cooperation with federal security forces.
The situation remains developing.