Police arrest 33 suspects linked to deadly attack on Kwara Church, recover arms

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 33 suspects in connection with the November 18, 2025 attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, in a major breakthrough aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating across parts of the North Central region.

The suspects were among a larger group of 50 individuals recently paraded by the police on Monday as part of intensified nationwide operations targeting violent crime and terrorism-related activities.

Security sources confirmed that the arrests were made across multiple locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Babanla, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode, following coordinated intelligence-driven raids.

Those arrested include:

Abubakar Usman (a.k.a Siddi), 26

Ibrahim Sa’idu (a.k.a Idi Soho), 35

Adamu Mohammad (a.k.a 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

READ ALSO: Ogun Police launch ‘Operation Keep Sagamu Safe’, arrest 146 suspects in security raid

Mohammed Lawai (a.k.a Jalel), 40

Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, 50

Mohammadu Audu (a.k.a Alti), 40

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

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

Mohammadu Ibrahim (a.k.a Iro), 21

Umar Mohammed (Jos), 25

Authorities said the suspects are believed to be part of an armed group linked to the violent assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, which triggered widespread security concern in Kwara State and neighbouring communities.

During the operations, security operatives recovered a significant cache of weapons and tactical equipment. Items seized include seven AK-47 rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, an additional anti-aircraft rifle, seven magazines, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack.

Officials also disclosed that the suspects had earlier abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles while attempting to evade arrest during coordinated security raids.

The police said the arrests mark a major step in ongoing efforts to dismantle armed criminal cells responsible for violent attacks on communities and religious institutions, while assuring that investigations are continuing to track remaining suspects and their possible collaborators.