Police nab 33 over Kwara church attack, recover weapons

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 33-member gang linked to the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in the Eruku area of Kwara State.

No fewer than 38 people were abducted during the attack, which occurred on November 18, 2025.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, announced the arrest of the suspects in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Placid said recent operations conducted between January and April 2026 by the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) led to the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of a large cache of weapons and operational equipment used by criminal syndicates.

Placid listed the items recovered to include 17 rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, five walkie-talkie communication devices, nine magazines, three mobile phones, and a Golf vehicle.

The police spokesman stated: “Among the most notable successes is the dismantling of 33-member gang responsible for acts of terrorism, cattle rustling, and the violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.

3.38m Nigerians displaced across 14 states in 2023 — NBS

“The Force also secured justice for its own, apprehending the kingpins responsible for the recent murder of three police officers attached to Donga Divisional Headquarters, in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in securing the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states by arresting specialised units involved in ‘one-chance’ abductions, car burglaries, and the operation of fake police checkpoints.

“These arrests have not only removed dangerous individuals from the streets but have also led to the recovery of stolen property and operational assets used to terrorize unsuspecting citizens.”

Placid quoted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, as reaffirming the Force’s commitment to a more secured Nigeria, noting that these achievements serve as a testament to the relentless efforts of the NPF in the pursuit of justice.

“Several main suspects are ready for prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction and the Force is actively pursuing other accomplices and more illegal weapons,” he added.