Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a terrorist attack on a church in Kaduna State and rescued 31 civilians abducted during an Easter service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area.
The Army said the successful rescue followed a swift response to a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during a service at an ECWA Church in the community.
According to the military, troops moved quickly to the scene after receiving the alert and, with the support of local residents, launched a pursuit of the fleeing attackers.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and overwhelmed them with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to abandon 31 hostages during the operation.
Among those rescued was one injured victim, who is currently receiving medical treatment.
However, the Army said five persons were killed by the terrorists before the rescue operation, with their bodies recovered at the scene.
Military authorities added that the fleeing attackers were believed to have suffered casualties, as blood trails were discovered along their escape routes.
Troops have since intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists, rescue any remaining captives, and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
To strengthen security in the area, the Army said additional troops have been deployed to reinforce ongoing operations, improve security presence, and prevent further attacks on lives and property.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and defending the nation’s territorial integrity in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security forces with timely and credible information, stressing that collective vigilance remains critical to restoring peace and stability.
