FID-IRT NABS 33 OVER ERUKU CHURCH ATTACK, SEIZES HEAVY WEAPONS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have arrested 33 suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, recovering an anti-aircraft launcher and other 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.

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

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The incident, which occurred on November 18, 2025, saw armed bandits storm the church during an evening service, killing at least three worshippers and abducting 38 others, including the pastor. The attack, which was live-streamed, sparked widespread outrage before the victims were eventually rescued through a joint security operation.

According to Placid, preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were involved in a range of crimes, including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, arms trafficking, and acts of terrorism.

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

Placid stated that, “Following the attack on the C.A.C in Eruku Town, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State on November 20, 2025, operatives of the IRT, acting on credible human and technical intelligence, carried out coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi states.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the group was involved in multiple criminal activities, for which a prima facie case has been established.”

He added that the suspects were arrested in various locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode. During the operations, some suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, which were later recovered by the police.

Investigations are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons.

The 33 suspects are part of 50 individuals paraded by the police as part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks nationwide.