29 Hostages Freed From ADF Militants in Congo — as the Group Strikes Again in North Kivu
Joint Congolese and Ugandan operations rescued 29 people, including Christians, held for nearly a month in Ituri's forests. Days later, the ADF returned to Lubero, burning homes in a region already reeling from Ebola
The short answer
According to International Christian Concern (5 November 2026), joint operations by the Congolese army (FARDC) and Uganda's army (UPDF) in late October rescued 29 people, including Christians, held hostage for nearly a month by the Islamist Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Ituri province, DR Congo. On 3 November, the ADF attacked Maikengu village in Lubero territory, North Kivu, looting and burning homes, shops and pharmacies; one Christian was found killed and others remain missing, amid an Ebola outbreak in the region.
In eastern Congo, the same week brought both answered prayer and fresh fear.
29 Freed in Ituri
In late October, joint operations by the Congolese army (FARDC) and the Ugandan army (UPDF) rescued 29 people — including Christians — held hostage by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist armed group, in Ituri province, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
"Congolese and Ugandan forces freed 29 ADF hostages, including Christians, in Ituri — but days later the ADF attacked Maikengu in North Kivu, killing at least one Christian amid an Ebola outbreak."
Click to copy and shareSome had been seized while working in their fields. They were tied up, robbed and marched between camps in the forests around Biakato and Alimbako for nearly a month.
"We were in the fields harvesting cassava when the ADF suddenly appeared. They tied us up, took our motorcycles, and brought us into the bush where we suffered seriously… Many of us died in different circumstances, from hunger, mistreatment, illness, and slaughter." — a survivor from Biakato, to ICC
"Several survivors are gradually reuniting with their families," an Ituri official said, "however, many are still struggling with the physical and psychological trauma."
The ADF Returns to Lubero
Days later, on Tuesday 3 November, after nearly half a year away, the ADF attacked Maikengu village in Lubero territory, North Kivu. Local authorities said attackers looted and burned homes, shops and pharmacies. One Christian was found killed with a machete, and many others remain missing. Residents fled toward Kambau and Nziapanda.
It comes as the region struggles with Ebola. "We have already lost so much to Ebola disease, and now we are afraid of losing even more," a woman named Jannette told ICC. In June 2024, ICC notes, the ADF killed 42 people in villages around Maikengu.
The army has begun deploying troops to the area. A report by The Sentry, cited by ICC, says the ADF earns an estimated $1 million to $1.6 million a year from gold mines it controls in the Manguredjipa area alone, and relies on abductions for labour and recruits.
Why It Matters
The ADF has terrorised eastern Congo for years; most of its victims are Christians. Aid to the Church in Need's 2026 report warns that violence like this is turning swathes of Africa into danger zones and driving a mass exodus of Christians.
Thank God for the 29 who are home. Pray for those still missing, for the people of Maikengu, and for protection — from violence and from disease.
Congolese and Ugandan forces freed 29 ADF hostages, including Christians, in Ituri — but days later the ADF attacked Maikengu in North Kivu, killing at least one Christian amid an Ebola outbreak.
Biblical Perspective
"He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners" (Luke 4:18). "You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness" (Psalm 91:5-6).
"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness."
— Psalm 91:5-6 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Father, thank You for the 29 who are home. Heal their bodies and their memories. Bring back those still missing, comfort the families of Maikengu, and protect eastern Congo from violence and from Ebola. Give Your church there courage, and bring lasting peace. In Jesus' name, amen.
Keep praying: the full prayer listDeclarations to Speak
- ›God sets the captives free!
- ›We will not fear the terror of night!
- ›Peace will come to eastern Congo!
Take Action
- 1Thank God for the 29 hostages freed in Ituri.
- 2Pray for those still missing after the Maikengu attack.
- 3Pray for health workers and churches facing Ebola in North Kivu.
"29 hostages freed from ADF militants in Congo — then the group struck again in North Kivu, amid Ebola. Thank God, and keep praying."
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Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
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Questions people are asking
What is the ADF in Congo?
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The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is an Islamist armed group active in eastern DR Congo, responsible for killings, kidnappings and attacks on civilians, most of whom are Christians, according to International Christian Concern.
How many ADF hostages were rescued in October 2026?
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According to ICC, joint operations by the Congolese and Ugandan armies rescued 29 people, including Christians, in Ituri province in late October 2026, after nearly a month in captivity.
Sources & further reading
- 1.29 Hostages Rescued from ADF ExtremistsInternational Christian Concern
- 2.ADF Returns to Lubero, Spreading Fear Amid Ebola CrisisInternational Christian Concern
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness."
Psalm 91:5-6 (NIV)
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