Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team have arrested 33 suspected members of a criminal network linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, recovering an anti-aircraft launcher and several high-grade weapons.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the FID-IRT headquarters in Abuja.

Placid said the 33 suspects were apprehended in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi states following investigations into the November 20, 2025, attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.

On November 18, 2025, armed bandits attacked the church, killing at least three worshippers and kidnapping 38 members, including the pastor, during an evening service.

The attack was captured on live stream, sparking national outcry, with victims later released following a joint security operation.

According to Placid, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism.

He added that Items recovered from the suspects include seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, one anti-aircraft launcher, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack

Placid said, “Following the attack on the C.A.C in Eruku Town, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State on 20th November 2025, operatives of the IRT, acting on credible human and technical intelligence, conducted coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang was involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism, for which a prima facie case has been established.

“The gang members were arrested at multiple locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode. During operations, the suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, which were subsequently recovered by the police. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend any fleeing members of the gang to recover additional operational weapons.”

The police spokesman listed the 33 suspects arrested in connection with the case as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, 26; Ibrahim Sa’idu, alias Idi Soho, 35; Adamu Mohammad, aka Baushe/Dogo, 58; Abdullahi Abubakar, aka Bature, 35; Abubakar Abdullahi, aka Turke, 35; Yusufa Isah, aka Munyaye, 50; Zubairu Abubakar, 35; Shaibu Usman, 35; Mohammed Lawai, aka Jalel, 40; Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, 50, and Mohammadu Audu, aka Alti, 40

Others are: Dahiru Alh Ahmadu, 25; Iliyasu Umar, aka Magaji, 38; Usman Alh Mati, aka Saidu, 30; Umar Mohammed, aka Mulandan, 25; Shehu Usman Mohammedu; Umar Mohammed Jos, 25; Mohammadu Ali, aka Jabbi/Ruwa, 30; Abubakar Mamman, 28; Mohammadu Alti, 32; Idris Auwal, aka Samaila, 26; Ajiboye Biodun, 20; Lawali Shehu, 32; Mohammadu Sani, aka Kachalla Ruga, 65; Musa Ado, aka Maidu, 65; Abubakar Adamu, aka Buba, 26; Mohammadu Zangina, aka Zangina, 23; Abubakar Shaibu, aka Jijji, 20; Mohammadu Salihu, aka Fulani, 25; Mohammadu Musa, aka Musa, 23; Abubakar Sani, aka Siddi, 25; Yusufa Isah, aka Leriya, 22; and Mohammadu Ibrahim, aka Iro, 21.

The suspects are among the 50 individuals paraded by the police on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal networks across the country. (The PUNCH)

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