Nigerian army forces have rescued 31 civilians held hostage following an Easter church attack in north-west Nigeria, according to a statement from the security forces — the attack took place on Sunday morning at a church in Ariko, Kaduna state, where gunmen targeted Easter celebrations.

Attack and Casualties

Five others were killed in the attack, according to a statement from the security forces; a local church official had previously reported the death toll at seven. The army said soldiers engaged the attackers in a ‘fierce firefight’, forcing them to flee and leave the hostages and the bodies of the dead victims behind.

Attacks and kidnappings for ransom are common occurrences in northern Nigeria, as the country grapples with security threats from jihadist groups and armed gangs, locally known as bandits. Although the army said it responded swiftly to Sunday’s attack, local media reported that residents said the gunmen operated for a long time without facing resistance.

Officials said the ‘fleeing terrorists’ had ‘significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes’ — Troops had also been deployed to hunt the insurgents and reinforce security. The army has urged residents to share information that can support operations against groups fuelling insecurity across the country.

Separate Incident in Zamfara

In a separate incident, Nigeria’s military killed 65 bandits following an offensive in Zamfara state, the AFP news agency reported on Sunday; this occurred days after a large group of bandits abducted residents from villages in the state.

Police had confirmed on Saturday that there had been a mass abduction in villages in the state earlier in the week and a manhunt had been launched. Late last year. The administration of US President Donald Trump raised concerns about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria and urged the government to do more to improve security and strengthen protection for Christian communities.

Trump had previously claimed there was a ‘Christian genocide’ under way in Nigeria—an allegation strongly rejected by Nigeria’s government, which said Muslims, Christians and people of no faith were victims of attacks. In February. US troops were deployed to Nigeria to train its forces and help them with intelligence in their fight against Islamist militants and other armed groups.

Security and International Response

The Nigerian army’s response to the church attack and the ongoing security challenges in the north-west have drawn attention from both domestic and international observers; the army’s efforts to engage attackers and secure the release of hostages highlight the ongoing struggle against armed groups in the region.

Residents in areas affected by banditry and jihadist activity continue to face threats to their safety and livelihoods — the Nigerian government has sought support from international partners, including the United States, to support its security operations and address the root causes of insecurity.

Local communities remain on high alert, with many calling for increased military presence and better coordination between security forces and local authorities. The Nigerian army’s recent actions, including the rescue of 31 civilians and the killing of 65 bandits, show the complex and ongoing nature of the security challenges facing the country.