Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a key suspect linked to the deadly 2025 assault on a church in Kogi State, signaling continued progress in the fight against terror groups targeting places of worship.
The suspect, identified as Shafiu Usman, is alleged to have masterminded the attack on the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
A DSS source confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Friday, though details of the location and timing of the apprehension were not disclosed.
The December 14, 2025 attack saw gunmen storm the church during an ongoing service, firing indiscriminately and creating chaos among worshippers. Eyewitnesses reported that congregants fled in panic while some were forcibly taken through nearby bush paths, plunging the community into fear and uncertainty.
The arrest of Usman comes shortly after the DSS announced the capture of a high-ranking commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) linked to the June 5, 2022, St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State.
That incident resulted in the deaths of over 40 worshippers and left dozens injured. The secret service is currently prosecuting five other suspects—Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh—in connection with the Owo attack.
Authorities describe the apprehensions as part of an ongoing effort to dismantle terror networks responsible for attacks on religious institutions across Nigeria, emphasizing the need for vigilance and community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
What You Should Know
The DSS has arrested Shafiu Usman, suspected mastermind of the 2025 Kogi church attack.
The December assault on First ECWA Church involved gunmen firing during a worship service, causing panic and abductions.
The arrest follows a similar crackdown on ISWAP operatives linked to the 2022 Owo church attack, highlighting ongoing efforts to neutralize terrorist networks targeting places of worship in Nigeria.
