TDThe Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 33 suspects linked to the November 20, 2025, attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
The arrests were carried out in coordinated operations across multiple locations.
It marked a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent assaults on religious institutions.
The Arrests
According to police authorities, the suspects were apprehended in Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Babanla, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.
The operations were part of a wider clampdown on armed groups terrorizing communities in Kwara and neighboring states.
The 33 suspects include:
1. Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, 26;
2. Ibrahim Sa’idu, alias Idi Soho, 35;
3. Adamu Mohammad, aka Baushe/Dogo, 58;
4. Abdullahi Abubakar, aka Bature, 35;
5. Abubakar Abdullahi, aka Turke, 35;
6. Yusufa Isah, aka Munyaye, 50;
7. Zubairu Abubakar, 35;
8. Shaibu Usman, 35;
9. Mohammed Lawai, aka Jalel, 40;
10. Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, 50,
11. Mohammadu Audu, aka Alti, 40
12. Dahiru Alh Ahmadu, 25;
13. Iliyasu Umar, aka Magaji, 38;
14. Usman Alh Mati, aka Saidu, 30;
15. Umar Mohammed, aka Mulandan, 25;
16. Shehu Usman Mohammedu;
17. Mohammadu Ali, aka Jabbi/Ruwa, 30;
18. Abubakar Mamman, 28;
19. Mohammadu Alti, 32;
20. Idris Auwal, aka Samaila, 26;
21. Ajiboye Biodun, 20;
22. Lawali Shehu, 32;
23. Mohammadu Sani, aka Kachalla Ruga, 65;
24. Musa Ado, aka Maidu, 65;
25. Abubakar Adamu, aka Buba, 26;
26. Mohammadu Zangina, aka Zangina, 23;
27. Abubakar Shaibu, aka Jijji, 20;
28. Mohammadu Salihu, aka Fulani, 25;
29. Mohammadu Musa, aka Musa, 23;
30. Abubakar Sani, aka Siddi, 25;
31. Yusufa Isah, aka Leriya, 22;
32. Mohammadu Ibrahim, aka Iro, 21.
33. Umar Mohammed Jos, 25;
Weapons and Items Recovered
During the raids, suspects abandoned heavy weaponry, including:
- Seven AK-47 rifles
- Seven magazines
- One anti-aircraft launcher
- One anti-aircraft rifle
- 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
- Five walkie-talkie communication devices
- Camouflage hydration backpack
Police say the recovery of such sophisticated arms underscores the scale of the threat posed by the group.
The suspects are among 50 individuals paraded by the police on Monday as part of ongoing nationwide operations to dismantle violent criminal networks.
Authorities emphasized that the arrests demonstrate renewed commitment to securing communities and protecting places of worship.
Implications for Security
The arrests in Kwara carry significant implications:
- Deterrence: Demonstrates that violent attacks on religious institutions will be met with decisive law enforcement action.
- Community Confidence: Reassures citizens that police are actively pursuing justice for victims of the November 2025 attack.
- National Strategy: Reflects broader efforts to clamp down on armed groups across Nigeria, complementing judicial interventions in political disputes.
Reactions
- Local Communities: Residents of Eruku and surrounding areas welcomed the arrests, describing them as overdue justice for the victims of the church attack.
- Police Authorities: Emphasized that investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow.
- Civil Society: Groups praised the crackdown but urged authorities to ensure fair trials and uphold human rights standards.
The arrest of 33 suspects in connection with the Kwara church attack represents a major step in Nigeria’s fight against violent crime.
Coupled with recent developments, security agencies say they are asserting themselves to restore order and protect citizens.
As trials open and investigations deepen, the nation watches closely to see whether these actions will translate into lasting peace and justice.
