ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)– Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team have arrested 33 suspected members of a criminal network linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery, recovering an anti-aircraft launcher and other high-grade weapons.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the FID-IRT headquarters in Abuja.
He said the suspects were apprehended in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi states following investigations into the November 20, 2025 attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
The operation followed an earlier assault on November 18, 2025, when armed bandits invaded the church during an evening service, killing at least three worshippers and abducting 38 others, including the pastor.
The attack, which was streamed live, triggered nationwide outrage before security operatives later secured the victims’ release through a joint operation.
According to Placid, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing and acts of terrorism.
Recovered items include seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, one anti-aircraft launcher, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices and a camouflage hydration backpack.
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Placid said, “Following the attack on the C.A.C in Eruku Town, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State on 20th November 2025, operatives of the IRT, acting on credible human and technical intelligence, conducted coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang was involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism, for which a prima facie case has been established.
“The gang members were arrested at multiple locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode. During operations, the suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, which were subsequently recovered by the police. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend any fleeing members of the gang to recover additional operational weapons.”
The police listed the suspects to include Abubakar Usman (Siddi), Ibrahim Sa’idu (Idi Soho), Adamu Mohammad (Baushe/Dogo), Abdullahi Abubakar (Bature), Abubakar Abdullahi (Turke), Yusufa Isah (Munyaye), Zubairu Abubakar, Shaibu Usman, Mohammed Lawai (Jalel), Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, Mohammadu Audu (Alti), among others.
Others are Dahiru Alh Ahmadu, Iliyasu Umar (Magaji), Usman Alh Mati (Saidu), Umar Mohammed (Mulandan), Shehu Usman Mohammedu, Umar Mohammed Jos, Mohammadu Ali (Jabbi/Ruwa), Abubakar Mamman, Mohammadu Alti, Idris Auwal (Samaila), Ajiboye Biodun, Lawali Shehu, Mohammadu Sani (Kachalla Ruga), Musa Ado (Maidu), Abubakar Adamu (Buba), Mohammadu Zangina (Zangina), Abubakar Shaibu (Jijji), Mohammadu Salihu (Fulani), Mohammadu Musa, Abubakar Sani (Siddi), Yusufa Isah (Leriya) and Mohammadu Ibrahim (Iro).
The suspects are among 50 individuals paraded by the police as part of ongoing operations to dismantle criminal networks across the country.