The Digest:
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a "high-profile commander" of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) linked to the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, is the sixth person arrested in connection with the massacre that left over 40 worshippers dead and several others injured. According to security sources, Yusuf was arrested in Iguosa community, Ovia North-East LGA of Edo State, after temporarily hiding in Kano before relocating. He has reportedly confessed to involvement in planning and executing the Owo church attack, as well as other terrorist operations including the July 2022 Suleja military barracks attack and kidnappings in Kaduna State. Five other suspects are currently being prosecuted for masterminding the massacre. Yusuf served under top ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, arrested by the DSS in 2024.
Key Points:
- The arrest brings justice closer for families of 40+ victims nearly four years after the attack.
- It demonstrates sustained security agency efforts to dismantle ISWAP networks.
- Victims' families gain hope, while perpetrators face continued prosecution.
- This signals the long arm of intelligence reaching even remote hideouts.
- The timing, with Yusuf's confessions, strengthens ongoing prosecutions.
Sources: The Cable, DSS, NTA
