World
Pulaku Volunteers Rescue Pastor from Kidnappers, but Face Abuse Allegations
In Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, a 49‑year‑old pastor, Daniel Musa, was abducted on the night of May 23, 2023. The kidnappers, dressed in black, forced him out of his home, blindfolded him, and took him for three days while demanding a ransom of 15 million naira. During the captivity, Musa was kept blindfolded, given limited water from a river, and warned that police or vigilantes approaching would result in their deaths. At about 4 am on Friday, gunfire erupted and Musa, along with two other captives, heard voices. The attackers were identified as members of Pulaku, a Fulani‑led vigilante group that fights kidnapping and cattle rustling. The group rescued Musa, who was then taken to Yola, the Adamawa capital, where he was reunited with his wife and daughter. The pastor credited Pulaku with saving his life.
Pulaku, founded more than a decade ago by Alhaji Abdu Bali and others, operates as a volunteer organization. It has more than 500 members across Adamawa and neighboring Taraba State, including people from other ethnic groups. Members contribute their own resources and receive some support from local government and the Adamawa State government, such as vehicles. The group is not part of the formal security establishment and does not have statutory powers of arrest or detention.
While Pulaku’s cooperation with police has led to the rescue of hostages and the disruption of suspected criminal hideouts, the organization has also faced scrutiny. In March 2025, Haruna Hamza, a resident of Adamawa, alleged that Pulaku members detained him and his son for over two months, beat him, and left him with severe injuries. Hamza claims he was never handed over to police custody. Pulaku’s commander, Musa Usman Malkohi, denied the allegations of torture, stating the marks on Hamza’s back were drawn with a marker and that the organization does not abuse humans.
The Adamawa State Police Command has said it is investigating the allegations but has not received a formal complaint from Hamza. Police spokesperson Suleiman Yahya Nguroje noted that Pulaku members are expected to hand suspects over to authorities for formal investigation and that the group has participated in joint operations that resulted in arrests.
The situation illustrates the tension in Nigeria, where communities increasingly rely on armed volunteer groups for protection amid failures of public security. While Pulaku has been credited with saving lives, allegations of abuse highlight the challenges of holding such groups accountable and maintaining the rule of law.
*Daniel Musa is a pseudonym; his name has been changed to protect his identity.