DSS Captures Sixth Suspect in 2022 Owo Church Attàck

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the sixth suspect involved in the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left many others injured.

The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), had been on the run for nearly four years. His capture brings to six the number of individuals detained in connection with the massacre. Five others Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) are already facing prosecution for terrorism-related offences.

According to security sources, Yusuf was apprehended in Iguosa community, along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State, where he had been hiding after moving through several locations. Following the Owo attack, he reportedly fled to Kano before settling in the quiet Edo community.

Sources revealed that Yusuf has confessed to his involvement in planning and executing the Owo church massacre. He also admitted to participating in other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 attack on a military barracks in Suleja 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 the lives of five soldiers, and several ISWAP kidnap operations,” one source disclosed.

“Yusuf also revealed that he served under other ISWAP top commanders like Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024,” another source added.

The DSS described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Owo attack and other terrorist acts, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks operating in the country.