No fewer than 33 suspected members of a criminal network linked to terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery have been arrested. The police high command, on Monday, revealed that its operatives attached to the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team recovered an anti-aircraft launcher and several high-grade weapons. The spokesman of the Force, Anthony Placid, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing that was held at the headquarters FID-IRT, Abuja.

Speaking during the briefing, Placid said the 33 suspects were apprehended in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi states following investigations into the attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, in November 2025. Daily Trust reports that bandits attacked the church, killing at least three worshippers and kidnapping 38 members, including the pastor, during an evening service. The attack was captured on live stream, sparking national outcry, with victims later released following a joint security operation.

Giving an update about the incident, Placid told reporters that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping. Other crimes they were linked to included cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism. He added that Items recovered from the suspects include seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, one anti-aircraft launcher, 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five walkie-talkie communication devices and a camouflage hydration backpack.

Placid said, “Following the attack on the C.A.C in Eruku Town, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State on 20th November 2025, operatives of the IRT, acting on credible human and technical intelligence, conducted coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang was involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, arms dealing, and acts of terrorism, for which a prima facie case has been established. “The gang members were arrested at multiple locations including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Baballa, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.

“During 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 any fleeing members of the gang to recover additional operational weapons.”