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.

Olatunji Rilwan Disu (commonly known as Tunji Disu) is a senior Nigerian police officer who was appointed as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Nigeria Police Force on February 24, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This followed the resignation of the previous IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who cited family considerations. Disu’s appointment is acting pending formal review by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as required under the Police Act.

Early Life and Education

– Born: April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria (currently 59 years old; he turns 60 in April 2026).

– Education: – Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU).

– Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies (also from LASU).

– Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.

– Master’s degree in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU.

– He completed primary education at schools like Mayflower Junior School (Ogun State) and secondary at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.

Professional Career

Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after training at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kaduna.

He has over 33 years of service, rising through various operational and leadership roles.

Key positions and achievements include:

– Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in multiple locations.

– Officer-in-Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) units.

– Leadership in anti-kidnapping squads and state Criminal Investigation Departments.

– Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he focused on urban crime reduction.

– Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for high-profile operations.

– Commissioner of Police in Rivers State (led operations against violent cult groups) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

– Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos (assumed this role around early 2026; promoted to AIG in March 2025).

– Specialized training in forensics, criminal intelligence, internet fraud (including at University of Cambridge), small arms smuggling (Botswana), and strategic leadership (Police Staff College, Jos).

He is recognized for intelligence-led policing, discipline, anti-corruption stance, and community-oriented approaches.

Personal Interests and Achievements

Disu is a decorated judoka (third dan black belt), having started practicing in 1986 during his time at LASU. He won multiple gold medals at national and police games, plus a silver at other competitions.

Recent Appointment Context

The appointment came amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. It has sparked discussions on seniority (bypassing some more senior officers like DIG Frank Mba), federal character, and timing (Disu is close to the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service).

Some view it as strategic for pre-2027 election security preparations, while others debate merit versus other factors. President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s experience to provide steady leadership.

Overall, Tunji Disu is regarded as a seasoned, professional officer with a strong track record in field operations, investigations, and command roles. His tenure as acting IGP is expected to focus on enhancing police efficiency and addressing national security priorities.

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.