Nigerian army rescues 31 held after Easter church attack

The Nigerian military has reported the successful liberation of 31 civilians who were taken hostage during a Sunday attack on a church in north-west Nigeria. Security forces stated that the operation concluded without further casualties, though five individuals were killed during the assault. Gunmen targeted Easter celebrations at a church in Ariko, Kaduna state, according to a statement from the military.

Earlier, a local church official had estimated the death toll at seven. The army described the engagement as a “fierce firefight” that compelled the attackers to retreat, abandoning the hostages and the bodies of victims. Such incidents are part of a pattern in northern Nigeria, where jihadist groups and armed gangs, known locally as bandits, frequently conduct kidnappings and attacks.

“The fleeing terrorists sustained significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes,” officials noted. Troops have also been deployed to track down the insurgents and bolster regional security.

Despite the military’s claim of a swift response, local media reported that residents observed the gunmen operating for an extended period without immediate resistance. The army has called for community cooperation to aid in counteracting security threats. In a separate development, Nigeria’s military eliminated 65 bandits during an offensive in Zamfara state, per AFP news agency. This followed a mass abduction of villagers in the region earlier in the week, confirmed by police on Saturday.

Earlier this year, the US administration expressed concerns about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria, urging the government to enhance security and safeguard Christian communities. President Donald Trump had previously accused the country of a “Christian genocide,” an assertion rejected by Nigerian officials, who emphasized that all faiths face attack risks. In February, US troops were sent to train Nigerian forces and assist with intelligence against Islamist militants and other armed groups.

Additional reporting by Basillioh Rukanga. Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica.