The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) says it has arrested 33 members of a gang responsible for the violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, in Eruku town in Kwara state, last November.
The suspects were arrested in coordinated raids across Kwara and neighbouring Kogi state following human and technical intelligence. This was part of a wider operation that has detained 50 suspects since January.
Punch Nigeria reports that preliminary investigations had revealed the suspects’ involvement in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism.
In a statement issued by Placid on 14 April, confirmation was given that the gang members were arrested at multiple locations, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Oke-Ode. “During the operations, the suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, which were subsequently recovered by the police. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang and recover additional operational weapons.”
According to Reuters, the Federal police spokesperson Anthony Okon Placid said the gang was linked to the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku town, and was also responsible for other kidnappings, cattle rustling, and armed robbery across the region.
On November 18, 2025, armed bandits had attacked the church during an evening service, killing at least three worshippers and kidnapping 38 members, including the pastor. The incident drew attention with videos from the scene showing congregants fleeing as gunshots rang out.
A few days after the incident, President Bola Tinubu announced that the abducted worshippers had been rescued, however incidents of attacks have continued in Kwara state.
