The Nigeria Police have arrested 33 suspects in connection with the November 20, 2025 attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, recovering a cache of weapons including an anti-aircraft launcher, anti-aircraft rifle, and seven AK-47 rifles during coordinated operations across the state.
The arrests were announced Monday as part of a wider parade of 50 individuals linked to ongoing clampdowns on criminal networks nationwide.
Police said the 33 suspects tha t tied the Eruku church attack were apprehended at multiple locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Babanla, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.
According to the police, some suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles while fleeing during the operations.
Items recovered from the group include seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, one anti-aircraft launcher, one anti-aircraft rifle, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack.
The November 20, 2025 incident at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku drew widespread concern over the safety of worship centers and the growing sophistication of arms in the hands of non-state actors.
Police have not yet released a casualty figure from the original attack, but said investigations into the motive and sponsorship of the assault are ongoing.
A senior police source said the arrests followed weeks of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
“This operation shows our commitment to dismantling criminal cells that target soft targets like places of worship. The recovery of anti-aircraft weapons is particularly alarming and underscores the threat level we are dealing with,” the source said.
The 33 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Police said they will be profiled and charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, in line with due process.
The Kwara State Police Command reiterated its warning to criminal elements that the state will not serve as a safe haven. It urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies.
The attack in Eruku was one of several security incidents in Kwara’s northern axis in late 2025, prompting calls for increased military-police joint operations in border communities.
Eruku is a community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The Christ Apostolic Church is one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous Pentecostal denominations, with branches nationwide.
The 33 suspects arrested in connection with the case are:
1. Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, 26;
2. Ibrahim Sa’idu, alias Idi Soho, 35;
3. Adamu Mohammad, aka Baushe/Dogo, 58;
4. Abdullahi Abubakar, aka Bature, 35;
5. Abubakar Abdullahi, aka Turke, 35;
6. Yusufa Isah, aka Munyaye, 50;
7. Zubairu Abubakar, 35;
8. Shaibu Usman, 35;
9. Mohammed Lawai, aka Jalel, 40;
10. Dahiru Adamu Mohammedu, 50,
11. Mohammadu Audu, aka Alti, 40
12. Dahiru Alh Ahmadu, 25;
13. Iliyasu Umar, aka Magaji, 38;
14. Usman Alh Mati, aka Saidu, 30;
15. Umar Mohammed, aka Mulandan, 25;
16. Shehu Usman Mohammedu;
17. Mohammadu Ali, aka Jabbi/Ruwa, 30;
18. Abubakar Mamman, 28;
19. Mohammadu Alti, 32;
20. Idris Auwal, aka Samaila, 26;
21. Ajiboye Biodun, 20;
22. Lawali Shehu, 32;
23. Mohammadu Sani, aka Kachalla Ruga, 65;
24. Musa Ado, aka Maidu, 65;
25. Abubakar Adamu, aka Buba, 26;
26. Mohammadu Zangina, aka Zangina, 23;
27. Abubakar Shaibu, aka Jijji, 20;
28. Mohammadu Salihu, aka Fulani, 25;
29. Mohammadu Musa, aka Musa, 23;
30. Abubakar Sani, aka Siddi, 25;
31. Yusufa Isah, aka Leriya, 22;
32. Mohammadu Ibrahim, aka Iro, 21.
33. Umar Mohammed Jos, 25;
The gang members were arrested at multiple locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Babanla, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.
During operations, the suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, items also recovered from suspects include
• seven AK-47 rifles,
• seven magazines,
• one anti-aircraft launcher,
• anti-aircraft rifle
• 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition,
• five walkie-talkie communication devices
• camouflage hydration backpack
The suspects are among the 50 individuals paraded by the police on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal networks across the country.
