Police Arrest 33 Suspects Over Kwara Church Attack

Police Arrest 33 Suspects Over Kwara Church Attack

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 33 suspects linked to the deadly attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, an incident earlier described as part of a wider network of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery operations.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the suspects are part of a larger group of 50 individuals being investigated for their alleged involvement in violent crimes across the country. He said the arrests were made during coordinated, intelligence-led operations carried out since January under a broader security crackdown on criminal syndicates.

The police said the suspects are linked to the November 18 attack on the Eruku church, during which armed men stormed the worship centre, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others in a violent raid that shocked the nation.

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A livestream video of the incident, later circulated online, showed congregants in the middle of a church service before gunshots erupted around the premises, sending worshippers into panic as the attackers invaded the building.

The incident drew national attention, prompting swift security responses and public assurances from the Federal Government. President Bola Tinubu later announced that all abducted worshippers had been rescued following coordinated security operations.

Police spokesperson Placid said several key suspects have already been prepared for prosecution, while investigations are ongoing to track down additional accomplices and recover illegal weapons believed to have been used in the attack.

He added that the operation reflects ongoing efforts by the police to dismantle organised criminal networks operating across Kwara State and neighbouring regions, particularly groups involved in kidnappings and attacks on soft targets such as religious centres.

Authorities have not yet disclosed full identities of the suspects but confirmed that they are undergoing profiling and interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation.

Security agencies say the crackdown is part of a wider national strategy to restore public confidence and prevent further attacks on churches, schools, and rural communities.

Further updates are expected as prosecutions begin and investigations continue.

Police Arrest 33 Suspects Over Kwara Church Attack