Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in connection with the deadly 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
A security source said the suspect, Sani Yusuf, was arrested in Iguosa community, Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State, where he had been hiding for nearly four years.
“Operatives of the DSS have arrested the sixth person involved in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo,” the source said.
The attack killed over 40 worshippers and injured many others.
Five suspects are already on trial for terrorism charges.
They are Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, according to the DSS.
The source said Yusuf first fled to Kano State after the church attack before moving quietly to Edo State.
He was described as “one of the most wanted fugitives in Nigeria.”
After his arrest, Yusuf reportedly confessed to his role in the Owo massacre.
“He admitted his role in the Owo church attack,” the source said.
He also confessed to other ISWAP attacks, including the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, which killed five soldiers, the July 2022 Suleja military barracks attack, and several kidnappings in Kaduna State.
“Yusuf also disclosed that he served under other ISWAP top commanders like Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024,” another source said.
“This arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice,” the source added, saying it shows the DSS remains committed to fighting terrorism in Nigeria.
