Nigerian police have arrested a 33-member gang linked to the November attack on a church in which 38 worshippers were abducted in Kwara State.
Police spokesperson, Anthony Okon Placid, said on Tuesday that the suspects were responsible for the November 18 raid on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, as well as other crimes including kidnappings, cattle rustling, and armed robbery across Kwara and neighbouring Kogi State.
According to him, the arrests were made during coordinated operations carried out across both states based on intelligence gathering, adding that the operation is part of a wider crackdown that has led to the detention of about 50 suspects since January.
He said the suspects were apprehended in multiple raids and would soon be charged to court, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
Nigeria continues to battle widespread insecurity, including mass kidnappings and banditry, particularly in the north-central region. The Eruku church attack further heightened public concern and increased pressure on security agencies to respond decisively.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing as security forces intensify nationwide operations against criminal networks.
