Kaduna Church attack: Police confirm seven rescued, counter army’s figure

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that only seven persons abducted during the recent terrorist attack on churches in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam in Kaduna State have been rescued. This contradicts earlier claims by the Nigerian Army that 31 hostages had regained freedom.

The police disclosure appears to validate the position earlier taken by community leaders, who had insisted that only a handful of those kidnapped during the assault had been rescued.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits had on April 5, 2026 stormed ECWA and Catholic churches in Ariko community during worship, opening fire on congregants. At least five worshippers were killed in the attack, while about 14 others were reportedly abducted.

In response to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ordered the immediate deployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Kaduna State to coordinate a rescue mission and strengthen security operations in the affected area.

According to the police, a joint security operation led by Nadada and supported by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services has so far led to the rescue of seven abducted persons.

The victims have since been evacuated to Katari Hospital where they are receiving medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed the development in a statement issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja on April 6, noting that security forces are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.

He said the police high command remains committed to bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
The Inspector-General also urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing operations by providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

The clarification by the police comes amid conflicting reports over the number of victims rescued, with local community leaders earlier disputing claims that a large number of abductees had been freed. The police figure of seven rescued persons now appears to corroborate the community’s account as security operations continue in the area.