The 6th suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, is described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the sixth suspect linked to the 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Owo, Ondo State, where over 40 worshippers were killed and many others injured.
The arrest comes nearly four years after the deadly assault, which shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.
The DSS is currently prosecuting five suspects — Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — for allegedly carrying out acts of terrorism in connection with the attack.
For almost four years, the newly arrested suspect reportedly evaded security agencies, making him one of Nigeria’s most wanted fugitives.
Suspect Tracked to Edo Community
A security source disclosed that DSS operatives, who had been trailing the suspect for years, eventually apprehended him in Iguosa community along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.
The suspect was identified as Sani Yusuf.
According to the source, Yusuf, described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), initially fled to Kano after the Owo attack before relocating to the quiet Edo community, where he remained in hiding.
The source, further, revealed that Yusuf had confessed to his role in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre.
Confession to Other Attacks
In addition, the source said the suspect admitted involvement in other ISWAP-linked operations, including the July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks and kidnappings in Kaduna State and surrounding areas.
“He admitted his role in the Owo church attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, which claimed the lives of five soldiers, and several ISWAP kidnap operations,” the source disclosed.
Another security source added that Yusuf also named other top figures within the terrorist group.
“Yusuf also disclosed that he served under other ISWAP top commanders like Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024,” the source offered.
Major Breakthrough in Counter-Terror War
Security officials described the arrest as a major step in the fight against terrorism and in securing justice for victims and their families.
“This arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Owo church attack, the soldiers killed at Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja, and underscores the relentless campaign by the DSS in the fight against terrorism,” he declared.
The DSS has continued to intensify its operations against terror networks across the country, as part of broader efforts to dismantle extremist cells and restore lasting peace in affected communities.
