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Nigeria's military announced on Monday the rescue of 31 civilians taken hostage during a violent assault on a church in Kaduna state, where gunmen targeted Easter Sunday services.
Attack details and casualties
The assault occurred in Ariko, a community in Kaduna, where armed men stormed a church mid-celebration. Security forces confirmed five fatalities, though a local church official initially reported seven deaths. Soldiers engaged the attackers in an intense gun battle, forcing them to abandon the hostages and retreat.
Military response and local accounts
The army stated troops responded swiftly, inflicting "significant casualties" on the fleeing gunmen, as indicated by blood trails along their escape routes. Reinforcements were deployed to pursue the insurgents and bolster security in the area.
However, local media cited residents who claimed the attackers operated for an extended period without resistance, raising questions about response times.
Broader security crisis
Northern Nigeria faces persistent violence from jihadist factions and armed gangs, often referred to as "bandits," who frequently carry out kidnappings for ransom. The military urged civilians to provide intelligence to aid operations against these groups.
Separate military operation in Zamfara
In a related development, Nigeria's armed forces killed 65 bandits during an offensive in Zamfara state, according to AFP. The operation followed a mass abduction earlier in the week, where gunmen seized residents from multiple villages. Police confirmed the incident and launched a manhunt.
International concerns and US involvement
Last year, the Trump administration expressed alarm over the treatment of Christians in Nigeria, urging the government to enhance security for religious communities. Former President Donald Trump previously described the situation as a "Christian genocide," a claim Nigeria's government rejected, emphasizing that Muslims, Christians, and non-religious individuals alike are victims of violence.
In February, the US deployed troops to Nigeria to assist with training and intelligence-sharing in the fight against Islamist militants and other armed groups.
