No fewer than 33 suspected members of a criminal network linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery have been arrested, the police high command said on Monday.
The police stated that its operatives attached to the Force Intelligence Department Response Team recovered an anti-aircraft launcher and several high-grade weapons.
Anthony Placid, a Deputy Commissioner of Police and spokesman made the disclosure at a press briefing that was held at the headquarters FID-IRT, Abuja.
He said, āThe 33 suspects were apprehended in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi states following investigations into the attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, in November 2025.ā
He explained that the bandits attacked the church, killing at least three worshippers and kidnapping 38 members, including the pastor during an evening service. He stressed that the attack was captured live, sparking national outcry, with victims later released following a joint security operation.
Placid further explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping, while giving update on the incident.
He noted that cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism were other crimes they were linked to.
Items recovered from the suspects included seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, one anti-aircraft launcher, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices and a camouflage hydration backpack.
He said that following the attack on the C.A.C in Eruku Town, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State on 20th November 2025, operatives of the IRT, acting on credible human and technical intelligence, conducted coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
He explained that the gang members were arrested at multiple locations including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.
Police arrest 33 suspects linked to terrorism
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