DSS Arrests Key Suspect in Kogi Church Attack
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have detained a principal suspect believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on December 14, 2025. During the assault, over 20 worshippers were abducted during a Sunday service.
Security officials confirmed the arrest of Shafiu Usman at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been evading security forces since the incident.
Following his detention, Usman reportedly admitted to orchestrating the Ayetoro Kiri attack and revealed involvement in other kidnappings and violent crimes across Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states.
Interrogations uncovered that Usman operated in collaboration with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a suspected bandit leader linked to criminal activities in Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara states. Usman also detailed his involvement in banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, with Battijo supplying arms and ammunition.
After the attack on the ECWA church, Usman fled to Gombe State, remaining there until the DSS, acting on intelligence, tracked and arrested him.
The attack provoked widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns over escalating insecurity and mass abductions in the North-Central region.
Security sources said that the arrest underscores ongoing efforts by the DSS to fight terrorism and banditry. Recent operations have successfully disrupted arms trafficking, rescued victims, and dismantled criminal networks across multiple states, especially in Gombe and neighboring areas.
Usman is currently in DSS custody and will be arraigned in court once the investigation is complete.
