- Troops Neutralize Terrorists, Arrest Kidnapper, Dismantle Hideouts In Plateau
A community group in Kaduna State has countered claims by the Nigerian Military that abducted worshippers at a church in Kachia Local Government Area of the state have been rescued, insisting the victims are still in captivity.
TheMatrix Newspaper had reported yesterday that troops of the Nigerian Army, through a swift response, successfully foiled a terrorist attack which led to the rescue of 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service in Ariko Village.
According to the military, the swift response followed a distress call reporting the abduction of worshippers during an Easter service at an ECWA Church in Ariko Village.
“The troops, on receipt of the information, promptly mobilised to the scene. With the support and guidance of members of the Ariko community, they advanced in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, overwhelming them with superior firepower.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention” the military had stated.
Countering this narrative, the Kuturmi Unity Development Association said reports that the Nigerian Army freed 31 people kidnapped during an Easter service in Ariko, Kachia LGA, are “false and misleading.”
According to the group’s president, J. D. Ariko, families remain in contact with the kidnappers, who confirmed the victims are alive and still being held—contradicting any rescue claims.
The abductions occurred when suspected bandits attacked two churches on Easter Sunday, killing several worshippers and taking others hostage.
The community warned that unverified reports risk creating false hope and eroding trust in official information. It urged authorities to provide accurate updates and intensify efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.
In another development, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, have neutralized 2 suspected terrorists and dismantled several criminal hideouts during a series of intensive clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area of Jos.
The coordinated mission, which was carried out on 4 April 2026, in partnership with local vigilantes, targeted known insurgent corridors across the Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the expansive Dutsen Zaki forest. While traversing the Babangida–Adua road, the joint force engaged in a fierce firefight with a group of armed terrorists. The superior firepower of the troops resulted in the immediate neutralization of 2 suspects, while several others retreated into the dense forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Following the encounter, a thorough search of the area yielded a significant recovery of arms and ammunition. These included one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.
In a separate tactical engagement aimed at curbing the flow of illegal arms and neutralizing kidnapping syndicates within the State, at the early hours of Sunday, 5 April 2026, at approximately 7:45am, troops stationed in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence regarding the suspicious movement of armed individuals. The rapid mobilization of the unit led to the successful interception of 4 suspected terrorists. Upon a thorough search, the suspects were found to be in possession of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Following the initial arrests, troops moved to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout and during these manoeuvres, the unit came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. Amidst the ensuing chaos, 3 of the 4 apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were subsequently neutralized by the adversary’s own gunfire.
In a simultaneous development at about 9:35am, troops in Shendam Local Government Area collaborated with local residents to apprehend a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The individual is alleged to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on 3 April 2026. Suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and legal action.
These operations underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian military and its local partners to restoring peace and security in Plateau State. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest security post as clearance efforts continue.
