The Nigerian Army announced, it successfully thwarted a terrorist attack which resulted to the rescue of “31” civilians abducted in Kaduna State during a Church service on Easter Sunday.
After receiving information on the abduction, the Nigerian Army immediately mobilised, and with the company of members of the Ariko Community chased the “fleeing” terrorists and faced them in a “fierce firefight” and overpowered them with “superior firepower”, the Nigerian Army disclosed via X.
The pressure piled on the terrorists forced them to desert “31” hostages; sadly, “five” victims were already killed by the terrorists and their remains recovered from the scene.
The Nigerian Army said, the terrorists who fled the scene are believed to have sustained “significant” casualties following “blood trails” along their escape paths.
Via a statement on Sunday 5 April, 2026, the Nigerian Army made known: “Troops of the Nigerian Army, through a swift response, have successfully foiled a terrorist attack leading to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The swift response followed a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village.
“The troops, on receipt of the information, promptly mobilised to the scene. With the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, they advanced in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene. The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.”
