Nigerian authorities have managed to rescue eight kidnapping victims – but 166 Christians are still unaccounted for in the country.

Five men, three women and three children were rescued in Doka, as armed men attempted to move them through the bush at night. They had been held captive since 26th October 2025.

Nightwatch officials spotted the shadows of their captors moving through the landscape, and were able to chase down and rescue the group. Victims have now been reunited with their families.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide commended the Kaduna State government for the move, and for “providing greater security” to those under threat.

However, many believers are still unaccounted for. Rev Christopher Rufa’asiri of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, and his wife Patience Christopher have been missing since 26th January, when they were abducted by militias.

Rev Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, CEO of CSW in Nigeria, said: “The continued captivity of the remaining victims, and the fear and apprehension tormenting their families, calls for urgent action to rescue them.

“Every effort must be made to secure the release of all kidnapping victims, to destroy every remaining terrorist camps in forested areas, and to rid both the state and the nation of a scourge that has devastated too many lives for far too long.”