The Nigerian army announced on Wednesday that its forces rescued 62 hostages and killed two militants during two separate counter-insurgency operations, according to a report.
This military action follows the abduction of more than 160 worshippers from two churches by armed gangs this past Sunday. It is not yet known whether any of those churchgoers were among the 62 individuals freed.
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba stated that troops, acting on intelligence, stormed a site in northwestern Zamfara state where hostages were believed to be held.
Citing the army, Reuters reported that the rescued hostages are now secure and authorities are working to return them to their families.
In another mission, Osoba added, soldiers ambushed militants in a border region between Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The Sunday kidnappings, which the BBC reported targeted both Christians and Muslims, represent the most recent in a persistent series of mass abductions driven by religious conflict in Nigeria.
The nation has seen a significant surge in violence from armed gangs, especially Islamist militants. These groups often base themselves in forest hideouts and raid villages, schools, and houses of worship.
Muslim Fulani militants regularly perpetrate violence in northern and central Nigeria, aiming to devastate local economies while also collecting ransom payments.
According to Reuters, Kaduna state police reported that gunmen carrying “sophisticated weapons” assaulted two churches in Kurmin Wali village, Afogo ward, around 11:25 a.m. on Sunday.
While Kaduna police provided cautious initial figures on Monday, stating dozens were captive as inquiries continued, a senior church official said over 160 worshippers were taken by the gunmen during the weekend incident.
Digital’s Bonny Chu and