In a swift and coordinated operation, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 31 worshippers who were abducted by armed criminals during an Easter Sunday church service in Kaduna State.
The rescue operation was launched immediately following a distress call from the affected community. Acting on credible intelligence and leveraging rapid response capabilities under Operation Whirl Punch, the troops tracked the abductors to their hideout and engaged them in a brief firefight. All 31 victims were freed unharmed and have been reunited with their families.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended the gallant troops for their professionalism, bravery, and commitment to protecting lives, especially during this sacred Easter period. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance stance against banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality in the North-West region.
“Today’s successful rescue underscores our unwavering resolve to safeguard Nigerian citizens and ensure that places of worship remain safe havens for all. We will not rest until every criminal element threatening the peace of our communities is neutralized,” the Chief of Army Staff stated.
The rescued worshippers have received preliminary medical checks and psychological support. They have since been handed over to the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies for further debriefing and documentation.
The Nigerian Army urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security forces. Such collaboration remains key to sustaining the gains recorded in the fight against insecurity.
The Army also extends its heartfelt condolences to families who may have lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident and assures the people of Kaduna State of continued presence and support.