DSS Nabs Kingpin Behind Kogi & Kwara Abductions
Last update: February 28, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
The DSS staid that the suspect, Usman, is currently in custody and will be arraigned soon.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Shafiu Usman, the suspected kingpin responsible for a series of high-profile kidnappings and banditry operations across Kogi, Kwara, and Niger states.
CBI News understands that the arrest took place at a hideout in Gombe State, where Usman had been evading capture following the December 14, 2025, deadly attack on the ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State.
That incident resulted in the abduction of over 20 worshippers during a service, with some victims reportedly dying in captivity.
During interrogation, Usman allegedly confessed to masterminding the Ayetoro church assault and orchestrating multiple other kidnapping incidents in the affected states.
He reportedly revealed collaboration with notorious bandit Ibrahim Dange Battijo, who supplied arms and ammunition, and admitted involvement in related crimes including banditry and cattle rustling.
The DSS described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-state criminal syndicates, neutralise arms trafficking networks, and combat terrorism and kidnapping in the region.
