Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Shafiu Usman, an alleged mastermind behind a series of high-profile kidnappings across Kogi, Niger, Kwara and Zamfara states.

Security sources confirmed that Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State after weeks of intelligence tracking.

He is accused of coordinating the deadly December 14, 2025 attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church in Ayetoro, located in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Ayetoro Church Attack and Mass Abduction

During the Ayetoro-Kiri community attack, armed men riding motorcycles stormed churches and residential homes, abducting at least 30 residents—mostly children and elderly worshippers.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns about escalating banditry and rural insecurity in North-Central Nigeria.

According to senior DSS officials, Usman allegedly confessed during interrogation to orchestrating the church attack and coordinating multiple kidnapping operations across Kogi, Niger and Kwara states.

He was reportedly working in collaboration with Ibrahim Battijo, described as a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Zamfara corridors.

DSS Intensifies Crackdown on Banditry

Security operatives revealed that after the Kogi church assault, Usman fled to Gombe State to evade arrest.

However, sustained surveillance operations led to his capture. He is currently in DSS custody and awaiting arraignment.

The DSS noted that the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations aimed at dismantling cross-state kidnapping syndicates.

Recent security actions in Gombe reportedly disrupted arms trafficking networks and secured the release of kidnap victims.

The latest development signals renewed efforts by Nigerian security agencies to combat kidnapping, church attacks, and organised banditry threatening communities across the region.