JUST IN: DSS Arrests Suspected Mastermind of Kogi Church Kidnapping

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Shafiu Usman, identified by security officials as the alleged mastermind of the December 14, 2025 attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State.

More than 20 worshippers were abducted during the assault on the church.

Security sources said Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had reportedly been staying after the Kogi incident. According to officials familiar with the investigation, he admitted during interrogation to coordinating the Ayetoro attack and other kidnapping operations across Niger, Kwara and Kogi states.

Investigators also linked him to Ibrahim Dange Battijo, described as a bandit leader operating in Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Zamfara states. Usman allegedly told interrogators that Battijo supplied weapons and ammunition used in several operations.

Following the church attack, Usman is said to have fled to Gombe State, but was tracked and arrested by DSS operatives.

Security authorities say the arrest forms part of broader operations targeting kidnapping, banditry and arms trafficking networks across multiple states.