The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended Shafiu Usman, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the December 14, 2025 attack at the ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State. His arrest took place in Gombe State, where he was hiding following the church attack that left worshippers in distress.

Sources within the security services reported that during interrogation, Usman admitted to orchestrating not only the attack on the Ayetoro church but also multiple kidnapping operations in nearby states such as Niger, Kwara, and Kogi. His connections to Ibrahim Battijo, a known bandit operating in the region, indicate a broader network involved in criminal activities that terrorize local communities.

The implications of Usman's arrest are significant. It suggests the potential for further investigations into interconnected criminal activities across multiple states and the possibility of additional arrests. The DSS has taken a proactive stance in addressing security concerns in the region, aiming to restore peace and protection for worshippers and the general public. This move also highlights the ongoing challenges of banditry and organized crime in Nigeria.