In a significant security victory, all thirty-eight worshippers abducted during a terrorist attack on a church in Kwara state have been successfully rescued. The incident occurred at a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) located in Oke Isegun, Eruku community, a border town with Kogi State in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the successful rescue operation on Sunday, November 24, 2025. The operation, which led to the freedom of the victims, was hailed as a coordinated effort by the nation's security apparatus.
Frontline Leadership in Rescue Mission
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, attributed the success of the operation to the hands-on approach of security agencies. He specifically highlighted the exceptional role played by Michael Oganwu, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwara state.
Governor Abdulrazaq revealed that the DSS director was directly in the field, leading the rescue operation from the front. This on-the-ground leadership was cited as a crucial factor in the swift resolution of the crisis.
Presidential Directive and Multi-Agency Coordination
The governor extended his gratitude to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that these agencies deployed several tactical teams to Kwara state following a direct directive from President Tinubu.
President Tinubu had cancelled his planned trip to a G20 meeting in South Africa to address the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states. Trusted security sources indicated that the president personally took charge of coordinating the operations, receiving round-the-clock briefings to ensure a successful outcome.
The operation involved unprecedented intelligence mapping and aerial surveillance by the Office of the NSA. This led to DSS operatives closing in on established coordinates in the forests of Oreke Okeigbo, in the Ifelodun LGA of Kwara state.
The president approved a raid conducted by the DSS and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which culminated in the rescue of all the victims. The highly classified nature of the operation means it is not certain if the kidnappers fled upon sighting the security operatives or were neutralized.
A Collective Effort Against Insecurity
While celebrating the successful rescue, Governor Abdulrazaq, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), struck a cautious note. He stated, "It is not time to celebrate yet, because we still have the issues of Kebbi and Niger. It is something we will overcome. There is light at the end of the tunnel."
The governor applauded President Tinubu, saying the release of the worshippers was made possible by the president's direct intervention. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and the concerted efforts being made to address them.
