DSS arrests sixth suspect in Owo church attack

DSS arrests Sani Yusuf, sixth suspect in the 2022 Owo church attack, linking him to ISWAP operations and multiple terrorist incidents

Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested Sani Yusuf, the sixth suspect in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, nearly four years after he evaded capture.

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The Owo church massacre claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left scores injured.

Five other suspects — entity[“people”,”Idris Omeiza”,”terror suspect”], Al Qasim Idris people”,”Jamiu Abdulmalik”,”terror suspect”], Abdulhaleem Idristerror suspect”], and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are currently facing prosecution for terrorism-related offences.

A security source disclosed that Yusuf, a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, was arrested in Iguosa community along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the source, Yusuf temporarily fled to Kano after the Owo church attack before relocating to Edo State.

He has confessed to his involvement in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre, as well as other ISWAP-linked attacks, including the July 2022 Suleja military barracks assault and multiple kidnappings in Kaduna State and surrounding areas.

“He admitted his role in the Owo church attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, which claimed five soldiers’ lives, and several ISWAP kidnap operations,” the source said, adding that Yusuf served under ISWAP commanders such as Abu Ikirimah, arrested by the DSS in 2024.

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The arrest marks a major development in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Owo church massacre and highlights the DSS’s ongoing campaign against terrorism in Nigeria.

David Okere