The Department of State Services has arrested Shafiu Usman, the suspected mastermind of the December 14, 2025 attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State. The attack reportedly left more than 20 worshippers kidnapped.
Security sources say Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State after evading arrest for months.
During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to planning the Ayetoro church attack and other kidnappings across Niger, Kwara and Kogi States.
He reportedly revealed that he worked with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, described by authorities as a notorious bandit operating across several states including Zamfara.
Usman allegedly admitted involvement in kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling, and said Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition.
After the Kogi attack, he is said to have fled to Gombe before DSS operatives tracked him down.
The DSS says the arrest underscores its ongoing operations against terrorism and banditry, including efforts to dismantle cross state criminal syndicates and rescue kidnap victims.
Usman is currently in DSS custody and is awaiting arraignment.
