DSS CAPTURES SUSPECTED ISWAP COMMANDER LINKED TO 2022 OWO CHURCH MASSACRE

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected high-ranking commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) believed to be linked to the deadly attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.The church massacre, which occurred on June 5, 2022, left dozens of worshippers dead and several others injured during a Sunday service, sending shockwaves across Nigeria and drawing widespread international condemnation.Arrest After Years on the RunSecurity sources disclosed that the suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, was apprehended in a community in Edo State after reportedly evading capture for nearly four years. Intelligence tracking and coordinated operations by security agencies reportedly led to his arrest.According to preliminary reports, the suspect is believed to have played a significant operational role in planning and executing the Owo attack. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his involvement and possible connections to other extremist operations.Ongoing ProsecutionThe DSS is already prosecuting five other suspects in connection with the Owo massacre. The latest arrest is being described by security officials as a major breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at dismantling ISWAP networks operating within the country.National Security ConcernsThe 2022 Owo church attack marked one of the most shocking acts of violence against a place of worship in recent Nigerian history. The federal government had vowed at the time to track down and prosecute all individuals involved.As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has yet to release an official detailed statement regarding the suspect’s arraignment date or the specific charges to be filed.