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The Nigerian Army says its troops rescued 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The army, in a statement on Sunday, said the rescue operation followed a distress call reporting that terrorists had attacked an ECWA church in the community and abducted worshippers during the Easter service.
According to the army, troops mobilised immediately after receiving the information and pursued the attackers with the support of locals.
“The swift response followed a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village,” the statement said.
“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 army said the pressure from the advancing troops forced the attackers to abandon the hostages.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention,” the statement added.
The military also confirmed that five victims killed by the attackers were found at the scene.
“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene,” the statement said.
According to the army, blood trails along the attackers’ escape routes suggest the fleeing assailants may have sustained casualties during the encounter.
The military said troops had intensified operations to track the attackers.
“Troops have since intensified pursuit operations to track the fleeing elements to their enclaves, with ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing any remaining captives and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
It added that additional troops had been deployed to reinforce security in the area and prevent further attacks.
