DSS Arrests Mastermind of 2015 Ayetoro Church Attack

The Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended Shafiu Usman, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the December 14, 2015, attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro, Kogi State, during which 20 worshippers were kidnapped. Security sources disclosed that Usman was arrested at a hideout in Gomb State after a prolonged period of evasion.

During interrogation, he confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack and admitted to collaborating with notorious bandit Ibrahim Dang Battijo, who operates across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara states. Usman also acknowledged his involvement in various criminal activities, including kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling, and revealed that Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition.

Following his arrest, Usman remains in DSS custody and is awaiting arraignment. This operation underscores the DSS's ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region.