DSS Captures Sixth Suspect in Owo Church Massacre After Four-Year Manhunt
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully apprehended the sixth individual implicated in the horrific 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. This brutal assault resulted in the tragic loss of over 40 worshippers' lives and left numerous others with severe injuries. The arrest marks a critical breakthrough in a case that has haunted the nation for nearly four years.
Suspect Identified as High-Profile ISWAP Commander
The captured suspect has been identified as Sani Yusuf, a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, Yusuf managed to evade authorities for years by initially fleeing to Kano after the Owo church attack before eventually relocating to a quiet community in Edo State. DSS operatives, who had been diligently tracking his movements, finally arrested him in the Iguosa community, located along Powerline in the Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ongoing Prosecution of Other Suspects
The DSS is currently prosecuting five other individuals for their alleged involvement in acts of terrorism related to the Owo church attack. These suspects are:
- Idris Omeiza, aged 25
- Al Qasim Idris, aged 20
- Jamiu Abdulmalik, aged 26
- Abdulhaleem Idris, aged 25
- Momoh Otuho Abubakar, aged 47
Yusuf's arrest ends his status as one of Nigeria's most wanted fugitives, highlighting the persistent efforts of security agencies to bring all perpetrators to justice.
Confessions Link Suspect to Multiple Terrorist Acts
Security sources have disclosed that Sani Yusuf has confessed to his active role in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre. Furthermore, he admitted involvement in other terrorist activities carried out by ISWAP, including:
- The July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks
- Numerous kidnappings in Kaduna State and surrounding areas
- The assault on the Zuma Rock checkpoint, which claimed the lives of five soldiers
Yusuf also revealed that he served under other top ISWAP commanders, such as Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024. These confessions provide valuable intelligence for ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Significance of the Arrest in the Fight Against Terrorism
This arrest represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Owo church attack and the soldiers killed at the Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja. It underscores the relentless campaign by the DSS in combating terrorism across Nigeria. The capture of such a high-profile fugitive demonstrates the agency's commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring that those responsible for heinous crimes face the full force of the law.
The successful operation in Edo State not only brings closure to a long-standing manhunt but also serves as a stern warning to other terrorists that Nigeria's security forces remain vigilant and determined to protect its citizens from such atrocities.
