Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a sixth suspect linked to the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, bringing a fresh breakthrough in the ongoing prosecution over the deadly assault that claimed more than 40 lives and left many others injured.
The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, is described by security sources as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). He was reportedly apprehended in Iguosa community, along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State, after nearly four years on the run.
A security source disclosed that Yusuf had initially fled to Kano shortly after the Owo church attack before relocating to the quiet Edo community where he allegedly lived undetected.
“Yusuf admitted his role in the Owo church attack,” the source said. “He also confessed to participating in the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, which claimed the lives of five soldiers, and several ISWAP kidnap operations.”
According to the source, Yusuf further revealed that he took part in the July 2022 Suleja military barracks attack and other kidnapping operations in Kaduna State and its environs.
“He disclosed that he served under other ISWAP top commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024,” the source added.
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) — for allegedly carrying out acts of terrorism in connection with the Owo massacre.
Security officials described Yusuf’s arrest as a major milestone in the pursuit of justice for victims of the church attack and other related incidents.
“This arrest marks a significant step in ensuring accountability for the victims of the Owo church attack and the soldiers killed at the Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja,” the source stressed. “It underscores the relentless campaign by the DSS in the fight against terrorism.”
