Security Forces Apprehend Suspected Insurgents in Commercial Capital
Operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) have made a significant arrest in Nigeria's economic nerve centre. Two men suspected to be fighters for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were taken into custody in Lagos State. The arrest occurred on the morning of Sunday, 21 December, 2025, marking a critical development in the nation's counter-terrorism efforts.
Details of the Apapa Operation
The suspects have been identified as Modu Gana and Ibrahim Dugge. According to a security source with direct knowledge of the incident, the arrest was executed in the Apapa area of Lagos. The source revealed that the operation took place at approximately 8:45 am on that Sunday.
Following their capture, both individuals were immediately moved to a secure facility for detailed interrogation. Intelligence reports suggest that Gana and Dugge had fled from the conflict-ridden North-eastern part of Nigeria, seeking refuge in the densely populated southern city.
Official Silence and Security Implications
When approached for comment, an official from the SSS media unit stated that the arrests had not been formally reported to their desk. This response aligns with the agency's recent shift towards a more covert media policy, a strategy implemented after the redeployment of its former spokesperson, Peter Afunanya. The agency believes this approach enhances its effectiveness in carrying out intelligence functions.
As of the time of reporting, the precise mission of the suspects in Lagos remains unclear. Authorities have found no concrete evidence indicating that the duo was actively planning an attack within the commercial capital. However, security analysts have consistently warned that ISWAP has been attempting to expand its operational footprint beyond its traditional strongholds in the North-east. This arrest in Lagos underscores the persistent and geographically spreading nature of the terrorist threat facing Nigeria.
The detention of these suspects in Apapa highlights the ongoing vigilance of security agencies and raises important questions about the mobility of insurgent elements across the country.
