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Missing worshippers still in captivity, Kaduna community disputes Army’s rescue claim
Missing worshippers still in captivity, Kaduna community disputes Army’s rescue claim
Confusion and anger have trailed the Nigerian Army’s claim that it rescued some of the 31 abducted worshippers following a deadly Easter Sunday attack on a church in Kaduna State, as residents insist no such rescue took place.
The military had announced that troops repelled gunmen who stormed a church in Ariko during Easter celebrations, freeing dozens of captives in the process. It also put the death toll at five.
But on the ground, a different story is emerging.
Community leaders and residents say the abducted victims remain in the hands of their captors, casting doubt on the army’s version of events and deepening fears among families still awaiting news of their loved ones.
“As far as we are concerned, all the abducted victims are still with the bandits,” said Joseph Ariko, president of the Ariko community association, in an interview with the BBC.
He challenged the military to provide details of those allegedly rescued.
The army has yet to respond to the claims.
In its earlier statement, the military said soldiers engaged the attackers in a “fierce firefight,” forcing them to flee and abandon both hostages and the bodies of victims.
It also suggested the attackers suffered heavy casualties, citing blood trails along their escape routes.
However, residents told local media that the gunmen operated for an extended period without resistance—raising fresh questions about the speed and effectiveness of the military response.
Doubts over the rescue narrative were echoed by John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who said he found no evidence of any freed captives after speaking with locals.
“Nobody has been rescued… If they are rescued, where did they take them to?” he asked.
Beyond the conflicting accounts, the tragedy has once again spotlighted the persistent insecurity across northern Nigeria, where attacks on communities, mass abductions, and ransom demands have become disturbingly routine.
While the army says troops have been deployed to track down the attackers and reinforce security, residents remain sceptical, urging authorities to prioritise transparency and accountability.
In a separate development, security forces reportedly killed 65 bandits during an offensive in Zamfara State, according to AFP, just days after another mass abduction in the region triggered a manhunt.
Nigeria’s security crisis has also drawn international attention.
Under Donald Trump, the United States previously raised concerns about violence affecting Christian communities, although the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of targeted religious persecution, maintaining that victims cut across faiths.
In February, US troops were deployed to Nigeria to support military training and intelligence sharing in the fight against insurgents and armed groups.
For residents of Ariko, however, the immediate concern is far more personal: the fate of those still missing—and the growing gap between official assurances and lived reality.
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Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau
Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, over alleged involvement in a high-profile arms trafficking network operating across state lines in Plateau State.
The arrest was carried out on Sunday at the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace.
According to a military statement obtained by Politics Nigeria, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms within Plateau State and neighbouring regions.
“Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026,” the statement said.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis. He was placed under surveillance before being stopped at a military checkpoint.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife.
Other items recovered from the suspect included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs showing him in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and ₦73,300 in cash.
Preliminary findings identified the suspect as a former officer of the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been officially dismissed from service.
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“Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement added.
Military authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation aimed at uncovering members of his network, including possible collaborators, financiers, and supply routes.
The operation, according to the Army, represents a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking activities and demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations in the region.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated efforts with other security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and combat violent crimes across the country.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-crime operations and enhance security nationwide.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau
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Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road
Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road
The Katsina State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine passengers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina–Kankara Road in Katsina State.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., when suspected armed bandits blocked the highway at Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area.
According to him, the attackers intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III Saloon with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by a 40-year-old man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.”
The vehicle was reportedly conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the armed men stopped it and abducted all occupants.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara mobilised a tactical team, including operatives of the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.
“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Due to the team’s superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, the hoodlums were forced to flee the scene,” the statement said.
READ ALSO:
- Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping
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During a sweep of the area after the encounter, police operatives rescued nine victims unhurt.
The rescued persons were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim (28), Rakkiya Ya’u (30), Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud (18), Jumai Majarazu (20), Salamatu Adamu (30), Yusuf Halliru (17), Harira Hamisu (25), Umma Kabir (17), and Nusaiba Maharazu (3).
However, two persons — the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and a passenger, Buhari Kabir — were still unaccounted for at the time of the report. Authorities said a search-and-rescue operation was ongoing to locate them and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and bravery during the operation.
He also reassured residents that the command remains committed to intensifying security operations aimed at clearing criminal elements from highways and rural communities across the state.
Katsina State has continued to experience recurring cases of banditry and highway kidnappings, prompting increased patrols and tactical deployments along major travel routes.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as search operations continue.
Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road
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Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping
Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the kidnapping incident that occurred on Sunday at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the governor directed the Edo State Police Command to immediately launch a swift and coordinated investigation into the incident, with orders to secure the rescue of the victim and apprehend those responsible.
The governor also warned that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public safety or disrupting peace in the state.
“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open investigation into the matter,” Okpebholo said.
“As a government, we will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.”
He urged residents of Benin City and across Edo State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies, stressing that timely information remains critical to ongoing operations.
READ ALSO:
- Late Gen. Rabe’s Son Denies Claim Father Had Diabetes, Says Mother Still in Captivity
- Abdulsalami Reveals Why Ojukwu Rejected Gowon as Nigeria’s Leader
- How Abacha’s ‘Kitchen Cabinet’ Tried to Oust Me, Pushed for Babangida’s Arrest — Abdulsalami
Okpebholo further assured that the state government would not relent until those behind the attack are tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a woman was abducted while shopping at one of the stores within the busy Vegetable Market. A viral video circulating on social media showed the moment the victim was forcibly taken away, sparking panic among traders and residents.
Security sources say preliminary investigations have begun, with operatives working to track the kidnappers and review intelligence from the scene to aid rescue efforts.
Kidnapping incidents have continued to raise concern in parts of Edo State, prompting renewed calls for stronger security presence around markets, highways, and public spaces in Benin City.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping
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