DSS ARRESTS ALLEGED KINGPIN BEHIND KOGI AND KWARA KIDNAPPINGS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
One of the alleged orchestrators of kidnappings across Kogi, Niger, Kwara, and Zamfara states, Shafiu Usman, has been apprehended by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Usman is believed to have planned the December 14, 2025, attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro, Kogi State. Sources revealed that he was tracked down and arrested at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had gone into hiding following the incident.
During interrogation, Usman reportedly admitted to coordinating the Ayetoro church attack as well as other kidnapping operations in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states. DSS sources further disclosed that he collaborated with Ibrahim Battijo, a notorious bandit active across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara states.
The December 2025 attack involved armed assailants on motorcycles who invaded Ayetoro-Kiri in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, abducting at least 30 residents, including children and elderly worshippers, from churches and homes.
A senior DSS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Our operatives have arrested Shafiu Usman, the alleged mastermind of the deadly ECWA Church attack in Ayetoro, Kogi State. He was hiding in Gombe State, but was tracked down. He confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro attack and other kidnappings, working alongside Ibrahim Battijo, who operates across four states. This arrest highlights our continuous efforts against banditry and terrorism, including recent operations in Gombe that disrupted arms networks, rescued kidnap victims, and dismantled cross-state syndicates. Usman remains in DSS custody pending arraignment.”
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