DSS Nabs 10 Boko Haram/ISWAP Suspects in Covert Operation in Osun State

The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed details of a covert operation that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.

The raid, which took place around 1 a.m. on December 16, 2024, targeted a bungalow near St. Mary Catholic Church, Ifofin, and Ogbon Idio in the Ilesa-East Local Government Area. The operation, conducted by a team of about 30 DSS operatives, had been planned over a span of 90 days.

The suspects, identified as Adamu Abubakar (aka Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, Babakura Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo, Muhammed Umoru, and Muhammed Bundi, were reportedly undergoing training on manufacturing and detonating explosives at the time of their arrest.

According to the DSS, the suspects are confirmed members of Boko Haram/ISWAP, and preliminary investigations suggest they were preparing for coordinated terror attacks. The arrest was brought to public attention on January 10, 2025, when the DSS filed an application with the Federal High Court in Abuja to detain the suspects for 60 days.

The operation unfolded over three months, involving two separate DSS teams. The first team deployed to Ilesa in late September 2024, followed by the second team in mid-November 2024. However, DSS sources disclosed that Osun command was excluded from the operation due to fears that intelligence might have been compromised after initial reports on ISWAP activities in Ilesa were allegedly leaked.

The covert operation, which was carried out without gunfire, was the result of months of undercover surveillance. Security sources confirmed that the DSS had been tracking the suspects since 2023, after receiving intelligence about a potential ISWAP attack targeting a church in Ilesa. Although an early setback occurred due to the leakage of information, DSS operatives intensified their efforts, leading to the successful raid.

Materials linked to ISWAP and bomb-making equipment were recovered from the suspects. Despite their arrest, locals expressed shock, as many knew the suspects as peaceful traders who had lived in the area for years. Mohammed Borni, a local leader, said, “We were shocked when they were arrested. We have not seen or heard from them since.”

This operation has heightened security concerns among residents, who now feel more vigilant and cautious. Local tailor Bimpe Olaiwola shared her fears, saying, “We have lived peacefully, but now we are more cautious.” Some locals, such as Tope Niyi, stressed the need for heightened security awareness in the community.

This operation adds to the growing list of DSS actions against suspected terrorists in Osun State. In 2022, similar operations were conducted in Ile-Ife, leading to the arrest of individuals linked to terrorist organizations.