Police rescue seven kidnapped pilgrims, intensify search for others

Seven people kidnapped in Easter Sunday attacks on churches in Ariko community in Kaduna State have been rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment, the Nigerian Police confirmed.

The victims were freed in a coordinated security operation following deadly attacks on worshipers in the area.

In his statement on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, revealed that the rescue followed the direction of Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

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 on Ariko Village near Gurara Dam.

“On April 5, 2026, armed bandits attacked ECWA and the Catholic Church in the community, shooting indiscriminately. Five people were killed, and about fourteen others were kidnapped.

“In response, the IGP ordered immediate operational intervention. DIG Operations was deployed to assess the situation at the site and coordinate security efforts to restore order and ensure the release of the abductees.”

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According to the statement, the rescue mission—led by Shehu Umar Nadada and carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Department of Foreign Services—successfully freed seven victims.

“They were taken to Katari Hospital for medical treatment and are in stable condition awaiting reunion with their families,” he added.

Police noted that efforts are underway to rescue the remaining abductees and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“He urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support ongoing efforts,” the statement read.

The attack, which targeted First ECWA Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Augustine in Ariko community, comes almost two months after a similar incident in Kurmin Wali community in Kachia Local Government Area, where several worshipers were abducted during a church meeting in February 2026.