Owo Church Massacre: How DSS captured sixth suspect after four-year manhunt

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the sixth suspect linked to the 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed and several others injured.

The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, had reportedly been on the run for nearly four years, making him one of Nigeria’s most wanted fugitives following the gruesome incident that shocked the nation.

A security source revealed that DSS operatives tracked and apprehended Yusuf in Iguosa community, along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.

Yusuf is alleged to be a high-ranking commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Investigations indicate that he initially fled to Kano shortly after the Owo church attack before relocating to the quiet Edo community, where he had been hiding.

According to the source, Yusuf has confessed to his involvement in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre. He is also said to have admitted participation in other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks and multiple kidnap missions across Kaduna State and neighbouring areas.

“He admitted his role in the Owo church attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, which claimed the lives of five soldiers, as well as several ISWAP kidnap operations,” the source disclosed.

Further findings reportedly link Yusuf to senior ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.

Security officials say the arrest represents a major breakthrough in the ongoing quest for justice for victims of the Owo church attack and the soldiers killed at the Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja, while reinforcing DSS’ sustained crackdown on terrorism across the country.