The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has announced the arrest of Sani Yusuf, the sixth suspect involved in the tragic attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of over 40 worshippers and many more injuries. The arrest comes after a four-year-long manhunt during which the DSS apprehended five other suspects, all of whom are currently facing trial for terrorism-related offenses in Abuja. The attack, carried out in June 2022, shocked the nation and highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.

Sani Yusuf, believed to be a high-ranking commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), had been evading capture since the attack. After the incident, he briefly relocated to Kano before finally being tracked to the Iguosa community in Edo State, where he was apprehended. The successful capture of Yusuf is expected to provide additional insights into the terrorist networks operating in the country and the strategies employed to coordinate such violent acts.

This development raises significant questions regarding national security and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria, where extremist groups have increasingly targeted soft civilian targets. With the apprehension of Yusuf and other suspects, there is hope among law enforcement that further disruptions to these networks may occur, leading to a safer environment for citizens and a more robust legal pursuit against those involved in terrorism.