Security personnel in Plateau State have averted what could have been a tragic incident after arresting an armed man inside a church premises in Bokkos Local Government Area. The arrest, made by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), took place on Sunday, April 20, 2025, around 8:30 a.m., just before the morning church service began.
The NSCDC officers were on a routine patrol when they received intelligence that led them to the church compound, where they intercepted the suspect. According to a security source familiar with the incident, the man was found with a firearm and could not offer any valid reason or legal documentation for carrying the weapon.
The suspect, whose identity is yet to be officially released by security authorities, was immediately taken into custody for questioning.
“The suspect was found in possession of a gun and could not provide any satisfactory explanation or legal documentation for it,” the NSCDC source said. “The swift action of our operatives helped prevent what could have escalated into a serious security breach.”
Eyewitnesses say the man was spotted behaving suspiciously around the church gate before being confronted by the security team. The church’s leadership has since confirmed that no member of the congregation was harmed, thanks to the timely intervention.
The incident comes at a time when Plateau State has been grappling with rising security threats, particularly in rural communities. Bokkos Local Government Area, in particular, has witnessed several deadly attacks in recent years, many linked to farmer-herder clashes and criminal banditry.
Churches, mosques, schools, and markets across the state have had to tighten security due to repeated incidents of violence and coordinated attacks by armed groups.
The Sunday arrest has further raised alarm over the potential for religious sites to be targeted, a fear that continues to linger among residents who have witnessed attacks on worshippers in the past.
In 2018, over 80 people were killed in coordinated attacks across Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs, many of them targeted in their homes and places of worship. The memory of that violence is still fresh for many, making any security threat near a church especially sensitive.
Following the arrest, local residents and worshippers at the church expressed gratitude to the NSCDC operatives for acting swiftly to prevent what could have been a major tragedy.
“We were all preparing for service when we heard about the arrest. Everyone is scared because we don’t know what could have happened if they hadn’t caught him in time,” said a church member who requested anonymity. “We just thank God and thank the security agents for being alert.”
Community leaders have also called for increased patrols and more collaboration between local vigilantes and formal security agencies to keep places of worship safe.
“We urge the security agencies to continue their good work, and we also ask the government to provide them with all the support they need,” said one local elder. “Our people have suffered a lot, and we cannot afford another tragedy.”
While the identity and motive of the suspect remain unclear, the NSCDC says investigations are ongoing to determine whether the man acted alone or had other plans. Authorities are also working to confirm the origin of the weapon found in his possession.
“The man is in our custody and being questioned. We will release more details after the preliminary investigation is concluded,” the NSCDC source said.
It is still unknown whether the suspect is linked to any known criminal groups or if he had targeted the church for robbery, terrorism, or another purpose. However, security analysts say the quick arrest is a reminder that vigilance must be constant, especially at public gathering venues.
The arrest is one of several incidents in recent months where armed individuals have been found in public spaces. In March 2025, a similar case occurred in Kaduna, where a man was arrested with a rifle at a mosque. And in February, a group of youths was intercepted with weapons on their way to a political rally in Benue State.
Security experts have warned that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across Nigeria poses a growing risk to peace and stability. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 500 million small arms are estimated to be in circulation in West Africa, with Nigeria accounting for a significant portion.
In Plateau State alone, local reports suggest that hundreds of unregistered weapons have found their way into rural communities, often used in land disputes, attacks, or robberies.
The NSCDC has urged churches and other religious institutions to remain vigilant and work closely with security operatives to prevent future threats. Worship centres are encouraged to establish basic security procedures such as entry checks, perimeter patrols, and emergency response plans.
“We advise all religious leaders to be watchful and report any suspicious individuals to the nearest security post,” the source said. “This incident shows that prevention is possible when we work together.”
Meanwhile, state authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but the Plateau State Police Command is expected to join the investigation.
