33 Nabbed as Police Bust Terror Network Behind Eruku Church Attack, Seize Anti-Aircraft Weapon

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 33 suspected members of a criminal network linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery following coordinated operations in Kwara State and Kogi State.

The arrests were announced on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing at the FID-IRT headquarters by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.

The Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team has arrested 33 suspected members of a criminal network allegedly linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery following coordinated operations in Kwara and Kogi states.

The arrests were announced on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing at the FID-IRT headquarters by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.

He said the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led investigations into the November 20, 2025, attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.

On November 18, 2025, armed bandits attacked the church during an evening service, killing at least three worshippers and abducting 38 members, including the pastor.

The incident, which was streamed live, sparked national outrage before the victims were later released following a joint security operation.

Placid said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to multiple offences, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms and arms dealing.

He also said items recovered from the suspects include seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, one anti-aircraft launcher, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices and camouflage uniforms.

Placid said, “Following the attack on the C.A.C in Eruku Town, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State on 20th November 2025, operatives of the IRT, acting on credible human and technical intelligence, conducted coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang was involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism, for which a prima facie case has been established.

“The gang members were arrested at multiple locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.

During operations, the suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, which were subsequently recovered by the police.

Investigation is ongoing to apprehend any fleeing members of the gang to recover additional operational weapons.”

He listed the 33 suspects arrested as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, 26; Ibrahim Sa’idu, alias Idi Soho, 35; Adamu Mohammad, aka Baushe/Dogo, 58; Abdullahi Abubakar, aka Bature, 35; Abubakar Abdullahi, aka Turke, 35; Yusufa Isah, aka Munyaye, 50; Zubairu Abubakar, 35; Shaibu Usman, 35; Mohammed Lawai, aka Jalel, 40; Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, 50, and Mohammadu Audu, aka Alti, 40.

Others include Dahiru Alh Ahmadu, 25; Iliyasu Umar, aka Magaji, 38; Usman Alh Mati, aka Saidu, 30; Umar Mohammed, aka Mulandan, 25; Shehu Usman Mohammedu; Umar Mohammed Jos, 25; Mohammadu Ali, aka Jabbi/Ruwa, 30; Abubakar Mamman, 28; Mohammadu Alti, 32; Idris Auwal, aka Samaila, 26; Ajiboye Biodun, 20; Lawali Shehu, 32; Mohammadu Sani, aka Kachalla Ruga, 65; Musa Ado, aka Maidu, 65; Abubakar Adamu, aka Buba, 26; Mohammadu Zangina, aka Zangina, 23; Abubakar Shaibu, aka Jijji, 20; Mohammadu Salihu, aka Fulani, 25; Mohammadu Musa, aka Musa, 23; Abubakar Sani, aka Siddi, 25; Yusufa Isah, aka Leriya, 22; and Mohammadu Ibrahim, aka Iro, 21.

The police said the suspects are part of 50 individuals paraded in ongoing nationwide operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.

Source: Sahara Reporters