The State Security Services (SSS) has arrested Sani Yusuf, described as one of the masterminds behind the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, an assault that left more than 40 worshippers dead and scores injured.
In a statement made available to journalists, the agency disclosed that Yusuf is the sixth suspect linked to the deadly attack, and had been on the run for four years before his eventual arrest.
The suspect was apprehended in the Iguosa community along Powerline Road in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State. Security operatives said Yusuf was a commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Investigators revealed that following the Owo church massacre, Yusuf fled to Kano State and later relocated to the Edo community where he was eventually tracked and arrested.
According to the statement, Yusuf confessed to participating in the Owo church attack. He also allegedly admitted involvement in the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault in Suleja, which resulted in the death of five soldiers, as well as several kidnapping operations.
The agency further disclosed that Yusuf had operated under senior ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the Service in 2024.
Five other suspects are currently being prosecuted for terrorism-related offences in connection with the Owo attack. They include 25-year-old Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).
Describing the arrest as a major breakthrough, the SSS said it represents a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for justice for victims of the Owo church massacre and the soldiers killed at the Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against terrorism and dismantling extremist networks across the country.
