The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 33 individuals suspected to be part of a criminal syndicate involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
During coordinated security operations across Kwara and Kogi states, operatives also recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, revealed the development on Monday while briefing journalists at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Abuja.
According to Placid, the arrests were linked to ongoing investigations into the November 2025 attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State. The incident occurred during an evening service, where armed assailants killed at least three worshippers and abducted 38 others, including the presiding pastor.
The attack, which was streamed live, sparked widespread outrage across the country. The victims were later rescued through a joint security operation.
Providing further details, Placid stated that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were involved in multiple crimes, including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, 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 ammunition, five walkie-talkie devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack.
He explained that the arrests followed credible human and technical intelligence gathered by operatives, which led to coordinated raids across several locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.
Placid added that some suspects abandoned weapons while attempting to flee during the operations, enabling security forces to recover additional arms.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group and recover more weapons, noting that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
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