Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully disrupted a terrorist operation and freed 31 worshippers kidnapped during an Easter service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Army disclosed this in a post on its official X account, explaining that the response followed an emergency alert about an attack on an ECWA Church where gunmen abducted several congregants during the celebration.
Soldiers were swiftly dispatched to the area and, with assistance from members of the local community, traced the attackers and confronted them in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
The military said the sustained offensive forced the assailants to flee, leaving behind 31 hostages. One of the rescued victims sustained injuries and is currently undergoing medical care.
However, five victims who had been killed by the attackers were discovered at the scene.
“The fleeing terrorists are believed to have sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes.”
