By Our Correspondent
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested a sixth suspect linked to the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The brutal assault, which took place during Sunday Mass in June 2022, left more than 40 worshippers dead and many others injured, sparking outrage across Nigeria and drawing international condemnation.
Arrest in Edo State
According to security sources, the suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, was apprehended in Iguosa community along the Powerline axis in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
He had reportedly been on the run for nearly four years and was considered among Nigeria’s most wanted terrorism suspects. Sources allege that Yusuf is a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Following the Owo attack, he allegedly fled to Kano before relocating to the Edo community, where he was eventually tracked and arrested by DSS operatives.
Ongoing Prosecution
The DSS is currently prosecuting five other suspects — Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — over their alleged involvement in the Owo massacre and related terrorist activities.
Security sources claim Yusuf has confessed to participating in the planning and execution of the Owo church attack, as well as other ISWAP-linked operations, including:
A July 2022 attack on a military barracks in Suleja
The Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, which reportedly killed five soldiers
Kidnapping operations in Kaduna State and surrounding areas
He was also said to have operated under senior ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was reportedly arrested by the DSS in 2024.
Significance of the Arrest
Officials describe the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Owo church massacre.
As of the time of reporting, authorities have yet to issue an official public statement detailing the arrest or providing further updates on court proceedings.
