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.

….. Police Rescue One, Arrest Suspect

Suspected gunmen stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Wednesday, abducting six worshippers during an ongoing midnight service.

The attackers reportedly invaded the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway at approximately 12:50 a.m., forcefully taking the victims to an unknown destination while the service was in progress.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Akure on Wednesday, the Ondo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the command received prompt reports of the abduction and swiftly responded.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Jimoh said.

He disclosed that sustained joint efforts have yielded positive results: one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued, and one suspect linked to the incident has been apprehended.

The arrested individual is assisting investigators with useful statements.

“Operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of all perpetrators involved,” the police spokesperson added.

Jimoh urged residents of the area to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating fully with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information to aid the ongoing efforts.

The incident has heightened tension in the agrarian Uso community, amid recurring security challenges in parts of Ondo State. Authorities have not yet released details on the identities of the victims or the motive behind the attack.

Further updates are expected as rescue operations continue.

•AbdulBasit Muhammad

The family of a 20-year-old, AbdulBasit Muhammad, has appealed to the public for assistance in locating him after he went missing while attempting to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination.

Muhammad was last seen on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when he left his uncle’s residence in Igbede to complete his JAMB registration in the Ajangbadi area of Lagos.Speaking on behalf of the family, his uncle, Taiwo Adesina, said he reported the case at the Ajangbadi Police Division on Friday, February 13, 2026, but had yet to receive any update.“

He left home around 8 a.m. for his JAMB capturing in Ajangbadi. I expected him back at night because he usually goes to work afterwards and returns by 9 p.m.

“I waited from 9 p.m. till late, but he never returned. This has never happened before, so I immediately reported to the police.

“Before I reported to the Police, some people called demanding N40,000 for his release. I told them I only had N20,000 and sent it. Since then, their numbers have not been reachable.

I informed the police about everything.”He described AbdulBasit as quiet and reserved, noting that he rarely socialised.

He described AbdulBasit as quiet and reserved, noting that he rarely socialised.

“He was wearing a polo shirt and shorts, with a bag across his shoulder, when he left home.

“I am appealing to the public to help us find him. I can be reached on 09037316811,” he said.

(Source: The Punch)