The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a key terror suspect believed to be a major coordinator of violent attacks and banditry activities in parts of the country.
A senior security source disclosed on Friday that the suspect, identified as Shafiu Usman, was apprehended after weeks of intelligence-led surveillance and covert operations carried out by the DSS.
The source said the suspect is alleged to be the mastermind behind the deadly 2025 attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro, Kogi State, as well as several kidnapping and banditry operations across the North-Central and North-West regions.
According to preliminary investigations, Usman maintained strong operational links with armed criminal networks involved in kidnapping for ransom, arms trafficking and the coordination of logistics for terror cells operating across state boundaries.
Items recovered from the suspect at the point of arrest included communication gadgets, documents and materials believed to be vital to ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling terror and bandit networks.
The source noted that the arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating plans by the suspect and his associates to carry out further attacks on soft targets and critical infrastructure.
“The operation was carried out quietly to avoid civilian casualties, and investigations are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the network,” the source said.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to proactively identify, track and neutralise threats to national security through enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
The suspect is currently in DSS custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, with the Federal Government reiterating its resolve to strengthen the nation’s intelligence architecture and restore peace and stability nationwide.
