RismadarVoice Reporters, February 28, 202
Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested Shafiu Usman, described as one of the alleged masterminds behind a string of kidnappings across Kogi, Niger, Kwara and Zamfara states.
Security sources said Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he reportedly went into hiding after the December 14, 2025 attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State.
Armed men on motorcycles had invaded Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area during the incident, abducting at least 30 residents, mostly children and elderly worshippers, from churches and homes.
A senior DSS officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspect confessed during interrogation to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack, coordinating other kidnapping operations in Kogi, Niger and Kwara states.
The source added that Usman allegedly worked with Ibrahim Battijo, identified as a bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Zamfara states.
After the Kogi attack, the suspect was said to have fled to Gombe State before DSS operatives tracked, arrested him.
The official stated that the suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The DSS said the arrest underscores its ongoing efforts to tackle banditry, terrorism and cross-state kidnapping syndicates.
