SSS Arrests Another Alleged Mastermind of Owo Church Attack
- Feb 25
- 1 min read
Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency has confirmed the arrest of another suspect linked to the 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, a tragedy that left over 40 worshippers dead and many others injured.
The State Security Service said the suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, was apprehended in Edo State after years of evading security operatives. He is described as a key figure in planning and executing the attack that shocked the nation.
According to security officials, Yusuf was arrested in the Iguosa area along Powerline Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Authorities disclosed that he had been on the run since the church assault and was eventually tracked down following sustained intelligence operations.
Investigators allege that the suspect held a leadership role within the extremist group Islamic State West Africa Province. After the Owo attack, he reportedly fled to Kano before relocating to Edo State, where he was later captured.
The agency revealed that Yusuf is the sixth suspect connected to the case. Five others are already facing prosecution on terrorism-related charges in connection with the deadly church invasion.
Security sources further stated that the suspect allegedly confessed to participating not only in the Owo church killings but also in the attack on a military checkpoint near Zuma Rock, where five soldiers were reportedly killed, as well as in multiple kidnapping operations.
The intelligence service described the arrest as a significant development in its counter-terrorism efforts, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling violent networks and ensuring accountability for attacks on civilians and security personnel.
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