Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the sixth person allegedly involved in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in which over 40 worshippers lost their lives and scores were injured.

The DSS is currently prosecuting five persons — Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — for allegedly carrying out acts of terrorism.

For nearly four years, the sixth suspect reportedly evaded arrest, making him one of the most wanted fugitives in the country.

A security source disclosed that DSS operatives, who had been on his trail for years, arrested the suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, in the Iguosa community along Powerline in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the source, Yusuf, described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), temporarily fled to Kano after the Owo church attack before relocating to the community in Edo State.

The source further disclosed that Yusuf has since confessed to his involvement in the planning and execution of the Owo church attack.

In addition, the source said he admitted involvement in other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks and kidnappings in Kaduna State and its environs.

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

Another source added that Yusuf disclosed he served under other ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.

“This arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Owo church attack and the soldiers killed at the Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja.

It also underscores the relentless campaign by the DSS in the fight against terrorism,” the source stated.