DSS Arrests Suspect Linked to Kogi ECWA Church Attack

The Department of State Services has arrested Shafiu Usman, a suspect linked to an attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro, Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi state.

On December 14, 2025, suspected bandits kidnapped at least 20 worshippers at the ECWA church during a Sunday service.

Local hunters reportedly engaged in a gun duel with the criminals that left four bandits dead.

Some days after the abduction, videos showing the worshippers in captivity appeared on social media.

Some of the abducted worshippers have been reportedly released.

A security source said Usman was arrested at a hideout in Gombe state, where had been hiding, after he was trailed by DSS operatives.

Usman was said to have confessed collaborating with one Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara.

The source said Usman revealed that Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition.

Recently, the secret police have intensified efforts to arrest suspected terrorists responsible for violent attacks.

Some days ago, DSS arrested a “high-profile commander” of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state.

The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, is the sixth person to be arrested in connection with the attack, which left over 40 worshippers dead and several others injured.