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Operatives of the Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a suspect, Shafiu Usman, linked to the 2025 attack on a church in Kogi State. Usman is believed to have coordinated the deadly assault on the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
A source within the DSS confirmed the arrest to Channels Television on Friday but did not disclose details about the location or circumstances surrounding the operation.
The attack occurred on December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the church during a service and opened fire, triggering panic among worshippers.
Witnesses recounted that the gunmen attacked while the service was ongoing, forcing congregants to flee for safety, while several others were abducted and taken through nearby bush paths. The incident left the community in chaos as residents tried to escape the violence.
The arrest comes days after the DSS announced the capture of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Sani Yusuf, linked to the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left more than 40 worshippers dead.
Yusuf is the sixth individual arrested in connection with the Owo massacre. Security sources said he was apprehended in the Iguosa area of Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Authorities added that Yusuf had ties to senior ISWAP figures, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested in 2024.
Five other suspects are currently being prosecuted over the Owo attack for their alleged roles in orchestrating the killings.
