In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have captured the sixth suspect linked to the deadly June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left many others injured.

The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), had evaded capture for nearly four years, making him one of Nigeria’s most wanted fugitives in connection with the massacre.

According to security sources, Yusuf was apprehended in the Iguosa community along Powerline in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, where he had been hiding in a relatively quiet village setting.

Following the Owo church attack, Yusuf reportedly fled to Kano State temporarily before relocating to Edo to lay low. Sources revealed that he has since confessed to his direct involvement in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre.

In addition to the Owo incident, Yusuf allegedly admitted to participating in other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault that killed five soldiers, and multiple kidnapping incidents in Kaduna State and surrounding areas.

He further disclosed serving under prominent ISWAP figures, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.

The DSS is already prosecuting five other suspects in the Owo attack case: Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).

They face charges related to terrorism and are currently standing trial.

“This arrest represents a significant step forward in delivering justice for the victims of the Owo church attack, the soldiers slain at Zuma Rock, and others affected by ISWAP’s reign of terror,” a security source stated. “It highlights the DSS’s unwavering commitment and persistent efforts in combating terrorism across the country.

“The development comes amid ongoing court proceedings in the Federal High Court in Abuja, where witnesses, including DSS operatives, have provided evidence linking the earlier suspects to the crime through technical intelligence, confessions, and forensic analysis.

Authorities have not yet released further details on when Yusuf will be arraigned or additional charges he may face, but the arrest is seen as a boost to national security operations targeting ISWAP remnants.

Former Edo State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) national leader Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with Labour Party stalwart Peter Obi, narrowly escaped an attack by suspected hoodlums at Oyegun’s residence in Benin City.

The incident occurred while key political figures, including Peter Obi, were reportedly engaged in a meeting at the residence. Eyewitnesses described a sudden assault that left visible signs of violence, including broken bottles scattered around the premises, bullet holes on the gate, and damaged vehicles parked nearby.

The attack followed closely on the heels of a separate invasion at the ADC secretariat in Benin, where hoodlums vandalized party property shortly after activities linked to political realignments, including reported defections and alliances involving opposition figures.

No casualties were immediately reported from the residence incident, and both Oyegun and Obi are said to be safe. The timing has raised concerns of targeted intimidation amid growing speculation about opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, including potential ADC-Obidient (supporters of Peter Obi) collaborations that Oyegun has publicly endorsed as a pathway to challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun reacted to the development, describing it as “deeply troubling and unacceptable” in the context of recent threats to the party.

He called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, emphasizing that such acts undermine democratic processes and must be deterred.

Security operatives have yet to provide an official account or confirm arrests related to the attack.

The incidents have heightened tensions within Edo’s political landscape, where the ADC has been positioning itself as an alternative platform attracting defectors and opposition voices.

Party sources described the events as attempts to disrupt emerging alliances and stifle political momentum.

Further details on the meeting’s agenda and any official police investigation are awaited as the situation develops.

Fresh violence erupted in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night, claiming at least 10 lives in near-simultaneous attacks on the communities of Jol and Dorowa Babuje (in the Rob District).

The assaults, which occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., were carried out by armed bandits who struck in coordinated fashion, according to local leaders.

Barrister Solomon Dalyop, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYMA), confirmed the fatalities in a telephone interview, stating that nine people were killed in Dorowa Babuje, while one person was killed in Jol.

In Jol, attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles from the Manga axis, despite prior warnings to security agencies about suspicious movements in the area. Personnel from Operation Rainbow, the state’s security outfit, were already deployed and managed to repel the assailants, preventing a higher casualty count.

In Dorowa Babuje, the gunmen emerged from the Jong-Wereh area, where they are believed to have been camping for some time. The military was alerted promptly and responded quickly, which local leaders credit with limiting further deaths.

These latest killings fit into a persistent pattern of night raids, ambushes, and displacement plaguing farming communities in Riyom, one of Plateau State’s most volatile areas in recent months.

Community leaders have highlighted the recurring nature of attacks often conducted after dark along known routes and called for enhanced surveillance, proactive patrols, and the dismantling of suspected camps in nearby forests.

Residents of both affected communities are now living in heightened fear, with families grieving their losses and demanding a sustained security presence to avert more bloodshed.

Youth groups and local leaders have renewed urgent appeals to federal and state authorities to shift from reactive measures to comprehensive, long-term strategies for security and peacebuilding in Riyom and surrounding areas.