Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) say they have arrested Shafiu Usman, the alleged mastermind behind the deadly attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State, where over 20 worshippers were kidnapped on December 14, 2025.
Security sources disclosed that Usman was nabbed at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been lying low. During interrogation, he confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack, as well as other kidnappings in 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, Usman fled to Gombe, but DSS operatives trailed and arrested him.
It notes the 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 suspect is now in DSS custody awaiting arraignment.
Bauch governor briefs Tinubu on security situation in Bauchi
President Bola Tinubu has received a detailed security briefing from Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The meeting focused primarily on the escalating banditry and insecurity in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, where recent attacks have displaced communities, claimed lives, and prompted urgent calls for federal intervention.
Governor Mohammed updated the President on the disturbing activities of bandits in the region, including a resurgence of attacks in areas such as Gwana, Kafin Duguri, Mansur, Yalau, Futuk, and Digare. He highlighted that over 10,000 well-armed bandits have reportedly invaded and occupied ungoverned forest areas, launching sporadic assaults, recruiting locals and former illegal miners, and forcing residents to flee to neighboring states like Gombe.
Recent incidents include a February 22 attack on a Joint Task Force base in Gwana, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and a vigilante, the abduction of community members, and the neutralization of several bandits by police. The governor has visited affected communities multiple times, commending local vigilantes and residents for their resistance while stressing the need for timely federal support, including strengthened military and police operations, additional equipment, and directives to security chiefs.
President Tinubu’s response was described as positive, with assurances of federal backing to complement state efforts, prevent further attacks, and address the situation decisively. The governor noted that directives have already been issued to enhance security in the troubled zones.
Addressing speculation amid recent defections from the PDP to the APC by some governors, Mohammed clarified that his visit was security-focused and not politically motivated. He reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while acknowledging that governors are free to choose their political affiliations.
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