News
DSS nab suspected mastermind of 2025 Ayetoro ECWA church attack
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Shafiu Usman, the alleged mastermind behind the deadly attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State, where more than 20 worshippers were kidnapped on December 14, 2025.
A security source revealed that Usman was captured at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been hiding.
During questioning, he reportedly confessed to planning the Ayetoro church attack and other kidnappings across Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.
Usman revealed that he collaborated with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States.
“Shafiu admitted to involvement in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling. He said Ibrahim Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition.
“After the Kogi attack, he 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,” the source said.
Follow Us on Google Discover
BREAKING: Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya elected 33rd NBA President
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Gombe 2027: PDP aspirant withdraws court case, backs Pantami
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
Court dismisses suit seeking INEC recognition of Turaki-led PDP interim NWC
He has lost control, has to resign – ADC ask NASS to probe Tinubu’s fitness
Tinubu signs executive order on virtual assets, establishes council to unify crypto operations
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
Kano Senator Rufa’i Hanga meets Gov Yusuf, finalizes move to join APC
My husband suffering political prosecution – El-Rufai’s wife Asia reports husband’s detention to international community
