DSS Arrests Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Returning

The Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended seven suspected senior members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) upon their return from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The suspects were arrested shortly after landing at Katsina Airport.

This operation is described as a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, facilitated by Nigeria's newly upgraded digital identification verification security intelligence system, which connects to an international security database. The suspects were immediately taken into custody for further interrogation.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this development on Friday, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law. The arrests underscore the federal government's ongoing reform efforts in national security and border surveillance to curb the movement of terror-linked individuals across the country.

The NIMC Act is expected to enhance data sharing and improve tracking of criminal activities, including terrorism financing and cybercrime.