Nigerian police have arrested a 33-member gang linked to the November 18 attack on a church in Kwara State that led to the abduction of 38 worshippers, as part of a wider crackdown on violent crime across central Nigeria. The raid targeted Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku town, with suspects picked up during coordinated operations across Kwara and neighbouring Kogi State based on intelligence-led surveillance.
According to police spokesperson Anthony Okon Placid, authorities say the group is also responsible for other crimes including kidnappings, cattle rustling, and armed robbery. The arrests are part of a broader security operation that has led to at least 50 detentions since January, with several suspects expected to be charged soon while efforts continue to track down fleeing members and recover weapons.
The Eruku church assault drew national attention and added pressure on authorities to intensify security operations across affected regions. Nigeria continues to face widespread insecurity, with frequent kidnappings and bandit attacks challenging the capacity of security agencies to protect citizens across the North-West, North-Central, and other vulnerable areas.
