Terrorist kingpin behind mass abduction of worshippers in Kogi’s ECWA Church arrested
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Usman who is now in DSS custody had reportedly confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack, as well as other kidnappings in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States, according to a report on the website of the national television station.
One Shafiu Usman alleged to be the mastermind of the deadly attack on Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State where over 20 worshippers were kidnapped on December 14, 2025, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS)
The Nigerian Television Authority, NTA quoted a security source as confirming the arrest of Usman was at a hideout in Gombe State where he had been living off the radar following the mass abduction of the worshippers.
Recall that 20 worshippers were abducted following the violent attack on the on the ECWA church while service was in progress on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen invaded the church, firing sporadically to scare worshippers before forcefully taking many members away through the surrounding bush paths.
One worshipper simply identified as JayJay was killed during the incident.
The gunmen had reportedly operated for several minutes without resistance before fleeing the scene with their captives.
The kidnapped victims were released many weeks later after payment of ransom. Some of the victims died in the custody of the kidnappers.
However, Usman who is now in DSS custody had reportedly confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack, as well as other kidnappings in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States, according to a report on the website of the national television station.
According to report, Usman told security operatives that he collaborated with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States for the abduction of worshippers.
Shafiu also allegedl admitted to involvement in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling with Battijo supplying him with arms and ammunition.
Usman fled to Gombe after the attack in Kogi, but DSS operatives trailed and arrested him.
Usman is now in DSS custody awaiting arraignment.
Security sources noted that the arrest of Usman underscores the DSS’s ongoing achievements in tackling banditry and terrorism.
He also noted that the secret police had in recent operations in Gombe State neutralized arms trafficking networks, rescued kidnap victims, and dismantled cross-state syndicates.
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