DSS Apprehends Alleged Mastermind of Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack in Kogi

DSS Apprehends Alleged Mastermind of Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack in Kogi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Shafiu Usman, the alleged mastermind behind the December 14, 2025 attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State, in which worshippers were abducted during a church service.

Security sources said Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had reportedly gone into hiding following the attack. During interrogation, he confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack and other kidnapping operations in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.

Investigators revealed that Usman collaborated with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States, who allegedly supplied arms and coordinated criminal operations with him.

READ ALSO:

• Amaechi Reveals Buhari Refused Electoral Bill Over Russia Hacking Fears
• Alleged Forgery: Court Grants Mike Ozekhome, Co-Defendant ₦10m Bail Each
• Alleged Terrorism: Court Grants ₦200m Bail to Malami, Son, Orders Remand in Kuje Prison

“After the Kogi attack, Usman fled to Gombe, but DSS operatives tracked and arrested him,” a source said. The DSS highlighted that the arrest underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-state banditry and terrorism networks, as well as neutralize arms-trafficking operations and rescue kidnapped victims.

The suspect remains in DSS custody and is expected to be arraigned soon as investigations continue into the church attack and other linked criminal activities.

The December 2025 Ayetoro church abduction had sparked nationwide outrage, highlighting the rising insecurity and threat of banditry in North-Central Nigeria. DSS officials have reassured the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and securing places of worship.

DSS Apprehends Alleged Mastermind of Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack in Kogi