Seven kidnap victims of the Easter Sunday attacks on churches in the Ariko community of Kaduna State have reportedly been rescued and are currently recovering in a hospital.
According to a statement on Monday by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Anthony Placid, the rescue followed a joint security operation in Kaduna State.
Placid wrote, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to deploy to Kaduna State in response to the recent attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam.
“On 5 April 2026, armed bandits attacked ECWA and Catholic Churches in the community, firing indiscriminately. Five people were killed, and approximately fourteen others were abducted.
“In response, the IGP ordered immediate operational intervention. The DIG Operations was deployed to assess the situation on site and coordinate security efforts to restore order and secure the release of the abducted victims.”
Placid noted that the operation led by DIG Nadada, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services, rescued seven kidnapped victims.
“They were taken to Katari Hospital for medical care and are in stable condition, awaiting reunion with their families,” he added.
In the statement, the IGP affirmed that operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible.
“He urges the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support ongoing efforts,” the statement read.
Sunday’s terrorist attack on First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in the Ariko community comes barely two months after a similar incident in the Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where scores of worshippers were abducted during a church gathering in February 2026.
