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.
The team also recovered an anti-aircraft launcher and several high-grade weapons.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the FID-IRT headquarters in Abuja.
He stated that the 33 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.
According to him, on November 18, 2025, armed bandits attacked the church, killing worshippers and kidnapping 38 members, including the pastor, during an evening service.
He explained that the attack was captured on live stream, sparking national outcry, with victims later released following a joint security operation.
According to him, 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.
He added that items recovered from the suspects included 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.
According to him, “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 which 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 33 suspects arrested in connection with the case as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, 26; Ibrahim Sa’idu, alias Idi Soho, 35; Adamu Mohammad, aka Baushe/Dogo, 58; Abdullahi Abubakar, a.k.a. Bature, 35; Abubakar Abdullahi, a.k.a. Turke, 35; Yusufa Isah, a.k.a. Munyaye, 50; Zubairu Abubakar, 35; Shaibu Usman, 35; Mohammed Lawai, a.k.a. Jalel, 40; Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, 50 and Mohammadu Audu, a.k.a. Alti, 40.
Others are: Dahiru Alh Ahmadu, 25; Iliyasu Umar, a.k.a. Magaji, 38; Usman Alh Mati, a.k.a. Saidu, 30; Umar Mohammed, a.k.a. Mulandan, 25; Shehu Usman Mohammedu; Umar Mohammed Jos, 25; Mohammadu Ali, a.k.a. Jabbi/Ruwa, 30; Abubakar Mamman, 28; Mohammadu Alti, 32; Idris Auwal, a.k.a. Samaila, 26; Ajiboye Biodun, 20; Lawali Shehu, 32; Mohammadu Sani, a.k.a. Kachalla Ruga, 65; Musa Ado, a.k.a. Maidu, 65; Abubakar Adamu, a.k.a. Buba, 26; Mohammadu Zangina, a.k.a. Zangina, 23; Abubakar Shaibu, a.k.a. Jijji, 20; Mohammadu Salihu, a.k.a. Fulani, 25; Mohammadu Musa, a.k.a. Musa, 23; Abubakar Sani, a.k.a. Siddi, 25; Yusufa Isah, a.k.a. Leriya, 22; and Mohammadu Ibrahim, a.k.a. Iro, 21.
The suspects are among the 50 individuals paraded by the police on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal networks across the country.
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