DSS Arrests High-Profile ISWAP Commander Who Hid in Edo Village for Four Years

In a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Sani Yusuf, after nearly four years on the run.

Yusuf, described as the sixth fugitive involved in the 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State, was tracked down and captured in Iguosa community, along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State. The deadly church attack claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left many others severely injured, marking one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Four Years of Evasion Ends in Quiet Edo Settlement

Security sources revealed that DSS operatives had been on Yusuf’s trail since 2022. After participating in the Owo church slaughter, the fugitive reportedly fled to Kano State before relocating to the quiet Edo community, where he had lived undetected until his arrest.

The source confirmed that the wanted ISWAP commander has now made a full confession, admitting to his role in the planning and execution of the Owo massacre.

Linked to Multiple Terror Attacks Across Nigeria

In addition to the Owo killings, Yusuf is said to have confessed to participating in several other ISWAP-coordinated terrorist operations, including:

  • The July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks
  • Multiple kidnapping operations in Kaduna State and neighbouring areas
  • The deadly Zuma Rock checkpoint attack, in which five Nigerian soldiers were killed

Sources further disclosed that Yusuf served under notorious ISWAP leaders, including Abu Ikirimah, who himself was arrested by the DSS in 2024.

A Major Victory for Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Operations

Security officials say the arrest marks a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for justice for victims of terrorism nationwide. It also strengthens the prosecution of five other suspects already facing trial for the Owo church attack: Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.

“This arrest is a major breakthrough. It brings renewed hope to families of the Owo victims, the soldiers killed at Zuma Rock, and countless others affected by ISWAP violence. It also highlights the DSS’ unwavering commitment to ending terrorism in Nigeria,” a security source noted.

With Yusuf now in custody, authorities say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests may follow as the security agencies continue their nationwide crackdown on ISWAP cells.

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