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DSS Nabs Mastermind of Deadly 2025 Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Shafiu Usman, the suspected mastermind of the December 14, 2025, attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The assault, which occurred during a Sunday worship service, resulted in the abduction of over 20 worshippers, including children and elderly congregants.

The incident heightened fears over insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where armed groups have targeted communities and places of worship.

Security sources confirmed that Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been evading capture following the attack.

Intelligence-led tracking by DSS operatives led to his arrest after he fled Kogi in the aftermath of the operation.

During interrogation, Usman reportedly confessed to planning and orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack. He also admitted involvement in multiple other kidnapping incidents across Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.

The suspect further revealed his collaboration with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit leader operating in Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States.

“Shafiu admitted to involvement in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling,” a security source stated. “He said Ibrahim Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition.

“The arrest highlights the DSS’s intensified efforts to combat banditry, terrorism, and cross-state criminal networks. Recent operations in Gombe State have reportedly dismantled arms trafficking syndicates, rescued kidnap victims, and disrupted multi-state syndicates linked to similar crimes.

Usman remains in DSS custody and is expected to face arraignment in due course as investigations continue. Authorities have not provided details on the status or release of the abducted worshippers from the incident.

This development comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where attacks on religious gatherings and rural communities persist despite military and intelligence operations.

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More Than 23 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram-ISWAP Clash in Sambisa (Video)

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More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.

The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.

A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.

Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.

The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.

Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.

Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.

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10 Out of 15 Abducted NYSC Members Rescued in Kogi (Video)

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The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.

He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.

The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

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JUST IN: Terrorists kill 4, abduct others in Gorau after boat tragedy

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Suspected terrorists killed four people, abducted four others and injured several more in an attack on Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday night.

The attackers invaded the community around 9pm and shot 11 residents, according to the village head, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami. Seven of those shot survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while four died instantly.

The assault came barely six days after a boat accident claimed 65 lives in the same community. Na-Batsami said the terrorists specifically targeted families of the boat mishap victims over the N1 million relief money donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family. He said the bandits went from house to house searching for the cash.

Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident and offered condolences to the affected families.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned at the time of filing this report.

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