NIGERIA: DSS Arrests Alleged Mastermind Of Deadly 2025 Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack In Kogi

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested Shafiu Usman, the suspected mastermind behind the December 14, 2025 attack on the ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State.

The assault resulted in the abduction of over 20 worshippers during a church service. Security sources confirmed that Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been evading capture following the incident.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack and admitted involvement in multiple kidnapping operations across Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.

He revealed collaboration with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit leader active in Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States.

Usman stated that Battijo provided him with arms and ammunition to facilitate the crimes, which also included banditry and cattle rustling in the region.

Following the Kogi church raid, Usman fled to Gombe State to avoid detection.

DSS operatives tracked his movements through intelligence-led operations and effected his arrest.

The security agency highlighted the operation as part of its sustained efforts to dismantle banditry and terrorism networks, noting recent successes in Gombe that included neutralizing arms trafficking syndicates, rescuing kidnap victims, and disrupting cross-state criminal groups.

Shafiu Usman remains in DSS custody and is expected to face arraignment soon. The arrest has been described as a significant breakthrough in addressing insecurity in North Central and North West Nigeria, particularly along inter-state corridors frequently targeted by armed groups. Authorities have not released further details on the status of the kidnapped worshippers from the

Ayetoro incident.