Finally, DSS nabs mastermind behind Kogi church deadly attack

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have finally apprehended the suspect said to have masterminded the deadly attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State, which led to the abduction of no fewer than 20 worshippers on December 14, 2025.

A top security official confirmed to Vanguard on Friday that the suspect, whose name was given as Shafiu Usman, was nabbed at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been hiding and lying low to avoid being found and arrested by security agents.

The official said that during interrogation, Safiu Usman confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack and other deadly onslaughts and kidnappings in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states.

The suspect is said to have admitted working in concert with one Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious wanted bandit who has been operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara states.

The security agent said, “Shafiu admitted to involvement in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling. He said Ibrahim Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition,” the source quoted.

“After the Kogi attack, Usman fled to Gombe, but DSS operatives trailed and arrested him.”

“This arrest underscores the DSS’s ongoing achievements in tackling banditry and terrorism, including recent operations in Gombe State that neutralized arms trafficking networks, rescued kidnap victims, and dismantled cross-state syndicates”

Vanguard understands that the suspect has been taken into DSS custody awaiting arraignment.