Nigeria Kidnapping Kaduna Attack Nigerian Military Christian Persecution Nigeria Insecurity — Nigerian soldiers stand guard near the site where dozens of Easter worshippers were kidnapped during a church service in Kaduna state, northern Nigeria.

Nigerian military rescues 31 kidnapped Easter worshippers

Armed Gunmen Storm Easter Churches in Kaduna, Nigeria Leaving Families Torn and a Nation Shaken

By Desk Assistant On Apr 6, 2026

Nigerian Military – (Web Desk) – The Nigerian military announced on Sunday that it had rescued 31 people who were taken from Easter church services in Kaduna state in the northwest. Sadly, at least five others lost their lives in the attack.

The kidnapping happened in a small village about 100 kilometers north of Abuja. This was shocking because the police chief had already ordered heavy security across the country including at churches during Easter.

Soldiers moved quickly after the attack. They chased down the gunmen and fought them off. The attackers eventually ran away and left the 31 hostages behind. The military confirmed this in an official statement.

Five people were killed by the attackers before help arrived. The military named one church in its report. But local news outlets said the gunmen actually hit two churches that day, a Catholic one and an evangelical one. Reports from the ground say at least eight people were killed and several more were taken.

Nigeria has been struggling with violence and kidnappings for years now. Attacks like this one are putting the country’s security under a harsh spotlight both at home and around the world.

Kaduna is one several states in northwest and central Nigeria that have for years been terrorised by criminal gangs called bandits that carry out deadly raids on communities and kidnap for ransom.

Despite the bandits being motivated by financial gains, they are increasingly collaborating with jihadists from the northeast.

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It was unclear if the military’s use of “terrorists” was referring to jihadists or bandits.

While the army has been beefing up its deployment to the region to combat the groups, Nigeria has continued to see a rise in violence.

That has drawn the attention of US President Donald Trump, who has alleged there is a “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria.

In January, bandits rounded up more than 170 worshippers from three churches during mass in Kaduna.

Authorities said 80 escaped and the rest were released following negotiations after three weeks in custody.