Manny Ita –
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected high-ranking commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) believed to have played a central role in the June 2022 massacre at a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State, in what security officials describe as a major breakthrough in the long-running investigation into one of Nigeria’s deadliest terror attacks in recent years.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended following months of intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and inter-agency collaboration aimed at dismantling terror networks operating within the country. The arrest reportedly took place at a hideout outside the South-West region, although authorities declined to disclose the exact location for operational reasons.
The attack, which occurred during a Sunday service at St. Francis Catholic Church, left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured, sending shockwaves across the nation and drawing international condemnation. Gunmen had stormed the church, opened fire on congregants, and detonated explosive devices, in an assault described by officials as coordinated and deliberate.
According to security officials familiar with the operation, the arrested commander is believed to have been involved in planning, logistics, and recruitment connected to the attack. “This arrest represents a significant operational success and a major step toward justice for the victims,” a senior security source said. “The suspect has been on the radar of intelligence agencies for some time.”
The DSS confirmed the development in a brief statement, noting that the agency remains committed to tracking down all individuals connected to acts of terrorism within the country. “The Service wishes to assure the public that it will continue to pursue all threats to national security and bring perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
Investigators are said to be interrogating the suspect to obtain further intelligence on ISWAP’s operational structure, funding channels, and possible sleeper cells across different regions. Authorities believe the information could lead to additional arrests and help prevent future attacks.
The Nigeria government had previously vowed to ensure accountability for the Owo massacre, promising that those responsible would be apprehended regardless of how long it took. The latest arrest is being viewed as a critical step toward fulfilling that pledge.
Residents of Owo and relatives of the victims have continued to call for justice since the attack, with community leaders expressing cautious optimism following reports of the suspect’s capture. However, officials emphasized that investigations remain ongoing and that more details will be released at the appropriate time to avoid compromising security operations.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities, reiterating that counter-terrorism efforts require sustained cooperation between security agencies and citizens.
