Nigerian Army Rescues 31 Hostages After Easter Church Attack Kills Five

Apr 6, 2026

Gunmen attacked a church during Easter services in Ariko, Kaduna state in northwestern Nigeria, killing at least five people according to security forces, though a local church official reported seven deaths. The Nigerian army rescued 31 abducted worshippers after engaging the attackers in a firefight that forced them to flee with significant casualties. The incident reflects broader security challenges in northern Nigeria, where jihadist groups and armed gangs known as bandits regularly conduct attacks and kidnappings for ransom. The Trump administration has raised concerns about Christian persecution in Nigeria and deployed US troops in February to train Nigerian forces, while the Nigerian government rejects religious framing and insists victims include Muslims, Christians, and people of no faith.

Easter Church Attack and Military Rescue Operation

▪The Nigerian army rescued 31 civilians who were held hostage following the Easter church attack in Ariko, Kaduna state.
▪Gunmen attacked a church during Easter celebrations in Ariko, Kaduna state, north-west Nigeria on a Sunday morning.
▪Nigerian soldiers engaged the Ariko church attackers in a fierce firefight, forcing the attackers to flee.

Broader Security Crisis in Northern Nigeria

▪A manhunt was launched following the mass abduction in Zamfara state villages.
▪Nigeria is grappling with security threats from jihadist groups and armed gangs locally known as bandits.
▪Attacks and kidnappings for ransom are common occurrences in northern Nigeria.
▪Nigeria's military killed 65 bandits following an offensive in Zamfara state, as reported on Sunday.

US Concerns Over Christian Safety and Military Involvement

▪The Trump administration urged the Nigerian government to do more to improve security and strengthen protection for Christian communities.
▪Nigeria's government strongly rejected the allegation of Christian genocide, stating that Muslims, Christians and people of no faith were victims of attacks.
▪US troops were deployed to Nigeria in February to train Nigerian forces and help them with intelligence in their fight against Islamist militants and other armed groups.
▪The administration of US President Donald Trump raised concerns late last year about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria.
▪Donald Trump previously claimed there was a Christian genocide under way in Nigeria.

Perspective of Trump administration

▪The Trump administration views attacks in Nigeria as part of a pattern of inadequate protection for Christian communities by the Nigerian government.
▪Donald Trump characterized violence against Christians in Nigeria as constituting genocide.

Perspective of Nigerian government

▪The Nigerian government contends that characterizing attacks as Christian genocide misrepresents the nature of violence that affects Muslims and people of no faith equally.