DSS Arrests Sixth Suspect in Owo Church Attack

The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended Sani Yusuf, the sixth suspect in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of 40 worshippers.

Yusuf was arrested in Iguosa, Ovia North Local Government Area, Edo State, after evading capture for nearly four years. He is identified as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and had temporarily relocated to Edo State.

During interrogation, Yusuf confessed to planning and executing the Owo church massacre and admitted involvement in other terrorist activities, including the July 2022 Suleja military barrack attack and a kidnapping operation in Kaduna State. The DSS is currently prosecuting five other individuals connected to the Owo attack: Idri Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idri (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idri (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).

This arrest marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the DSS to combat terrorism in Nigeria.