Security sources say President Bola Tinubu personally directed the covert operation that freed 38 kidnapped worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State on Sunday.
The victims were rescued around 3:20 p.m. after DSS operatives, backed by Nigeria Air Force surveillance, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in the Oreke–Okeigbo forest.
The abduction occurred last Wednesday when armed attackers invaded the church during service, killing two people and injuring others in an assault that was accidentally streamed live. The attackers fled with 38 worshippers, sparking international condemnation.
Insiders reveal that Tinubu immediately took charge, receiving continuous briefings and pushing for decisive action to counter claims that his administration was not doing enough to protect citizens of all faiths. His directive triggered extensive intelligence mapping led by the NSA’s office.
The raid was highly classified, and it remains unclear whether the kidnappers escaped or were eliminated as security forces closed in.
Security operatives also highlighted that the same region has seen repeated attacks, including a June incident where gunmen killed two policemen and abducted Chinese workers at a mining site.
Of the 38 rescued worshippers, 26 are women and 12 are men.
