Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 31 worshippers abducted during an Easter church service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Army said the operation followed a distress call reporting the attack and abduction during the Easter service.
According to the statement, troops were immediately mobilised to the scene upon receiving the alert and, with support from local community members, pursued the attackers.
The Army said the advancing troops engaged the assailants in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the abducted worshippers.
It confirmed that 31 hostages, including one injured victim, were rescued, while five persons killed by the attackers were also recovered from the scene.
The injured victim is currently receiving medical attention.
The statement added that the fleeing attackers are believed to have suffered casualties, as indicated by blood trails along their escape route.
The Army said follow-up operations were ongoing to track down the perpetrators, rescue any remaining victims, and ensure they are brought to justice.
It also disclosed that additional troops had been deployed to the area to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Nigerian Army said it remains determined to protect citizens and sustain operations against criminal elements across the country.
