Military Halts Terrorist Attack in Kaduna, Rescues Abducted Churchgoers
The Nigerian military successfully averted a terrorist assault on Aliko village in Kaduna State’s Kachia Local Government Area, managing to free 31 churchgoers who had been kidnapped during Easter services. This coordinated attack targeted three churches and disrupted religious observances, resulting in multiple casualties.
Tragically, five individuals lost their lives in the incident. The Nigerian Army confirmed the event through a statement on its official verified channels, detailing the rapid response from troops following a distress signal from the community.
According to the statement, military personnel acted swiftly after learning of the abduction taking place at the ECWA church in Aliko village. “Upon receiving the information, the military immediately mobilized to the scene,” the report indicated. With local community support, the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists and engaged them in intense combat, leveraging superior firepower to overcome the attackers.
The sustained pressure from military forces compelled the assailants to abandon their captives during their retreat. “The advancing troops forced the terrorists to leave behind 31 hostages, including one injured individual who is currently receiving medical care,” the military report noted.
Despite the successful operation, the army expressed sorrow over the five casualties inflicted by the attackers, stating, “Sadly, the bodies of five victims were recovered at the site.” Additionally, the military believes the fleeing terrorists sustained significant injuries, as indicated by bloodstains discovered along their escape route.
In response to the incident, the military has intensified tracking efforts to capture the fugitive terrorists and is actively working to rescue any remaining hostages. “To further bolster security and mitigate future threats, additional troops have been deployed to the area,” emphasized the army.
This commitment to national safety was reiterated by military officials, who stated, “We will persist with decisive operations against all threats to national security.” They also urged the public to assist security agencies by providing timely information, underlining the importance of collective vigilance for long-term peace and stability.
Police Arrest Suspects Linked to Killings of Security Personnel in Taraba
In parallel developments, the Taraba State Police Command has apprehended several suspects linked to the murders of three policemen and a leader of the Tolu Damisa vigilante group in Donga Local Government Area. The suspects, including Suleman Abdullahi (30) and Idris Kawli (33) from Akente village, were arrested following extensive investigations and engagement with local communities.
State Police Commissioner Mokwap S. Donchal, who assumed command shortly after these tragic events, informed reporters at the state police headquarters that three service rifles belonging to the slain officers were also recovered during the operation. He further revealed that the command is actively pursuing additional suspects who remain at large, committing to their capture regardless of their location within the country.
The arrested suspects have reportedly provided valuable intelligence that could aid in locating other individuals involved. Meanwhile, two additional suspects were apprehended in possession of 304 live rounds of ammunition during routine stop-and-search operations.
These latter suspects, Tolme Terzugwe (39) from Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State and Job Davi from Tungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State, were intercepted in Yonko Village while riding an unregistered motorcycle en route to Ganey LGA in Adamawa. Investigations continue in this matter.
Since assuming leadership just a week ago, Commissioner Donchal has implemented several proactive measures aimed at curbing violent attacks in various regions of Taraba State. This includes visits to Kofai Ahmadu and Chanchanji in Takum, where he interacted with critical security stakeholders, including traditional leaders and community representatives.
His efforts extended to Tor Damisa in Donga LGA, the site of a recent ambush that claimed the lives of police officers and vigilante members. There, Commissioner Donchal’s engagement with local leadership resulted in the apprehension of some individuals connected to the brutal acts.
