Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 33 suspects linked to the violent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, which occurred on November 20, 2025, in a major breakthrough in ongoing investigations into the incident.
The arrests, which form part of a broader nationwide security operation, were disclosed on April 14, 2026, during the parade of 50 suspects said to be involved in various criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.
According to police authorities, the suspects were tracked and apprehended across several locations including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Babanla, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode, following sustained intelligence-led operations targeting armed groups believed to have coordinated the church attack and other related violent activities in the region.
The individuals arrested include Abubakar Usman (also known as Siddi, 26), Ibrahim Sa’idu (alias Idi Soho, 35), Adamu Mohammad (aka Baushe or Dogo, 58), Abdullahi Abubakar (aka Bature, 35), Abubakar Abdullahi (aka Turke, 35), and several others spanning a wide age range, some of whom are believed to have played varying roles in the criminal network under investigation.
Police sources stated that the suspects are part of a wider syndicate responsible for coordinated attacks, armed robberies, and violent incursions targeting communities and religious centres in Kwara State and surrounding areas. Investigators say efforts are ongoing to dismantle the entire structure of the group and apprehend additional members who remain at large.
During the operations leading to the arrests, security forces reportedly recovered a significant cache of weapons and military-grade equipment. Among the items seized were seven AK-47 rifles, an anti-aircraft launcher, an anti-aircraft rifle, seven magazines, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack.
Authorities also disclosed that some suspects fled during the raids, abandoning weapons at the scene, including an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, which were subsequently recovered by operatives. The police described the recovery as a major disruption of the group’s operational capacity.
The police said the scale of the weapons recovered suggests that the group operated with significant coordination and access to sophisticated arms, raising concerns about the proliferation of illegal weapons in the region. Security analysts have long warned that such arsenals contribute to the persistence of violent crime in parts of north-central Nigeria.
The November 20, 2025 attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku had sparked widespread condemnation at the time, with reports indicating that armed assailants stormed the place of worship during a service, causing panic among worshippers and resulting in casualties and abductions. The incident intensified calls for improved security in rural and semi-urban communities across Kwara State.
Police authorities stated that the latest arrests represent a significant milestone in efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore confidence among affected communities. They added that investigations have continued over several months, involving surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated tactical operations across multiple states.
Officials also confirmed that the 33 suspects are part of a larger group of 50 individuals recently paraded by the police as part of a nationwide crackdown on criminal networks. The broader operation is aimed at addressing rising concerns over armed banditry, terrorism-related activities, and organized crime.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling all criminal cells responsible for violent attacks on civilians and religious institutions. It also assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progress and additional suspects are identified.
Security experts have noted that the recovery of military-grade weapons, including anti-aircraft equipment, underscores the growing sophistication of armed groups operating within parts of the country. They argue that sustained intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation will be critical to curbing the spread of illegal arms and preventing future attacks.
Community leaders in Kwara State have welcomed the arrests, describing them as a step toward justice for victims of the 2025 church attack. However, they have also called for increased security presence in vulnerable areas to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
As the investigation continues, the suspects remain in custody and are expected to face multiple charges related to terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, armed violence, and participation in organized criminal activity.
Authorities have assured that the case will be thoroughly prosecuted, with a view to ensuring accountability and strengthening national security efforts across affected regions.
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