DSS detains Boko Haram leaders in Osun after court order

January 12, 2025

By Adedoja Adesoji

The Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) has detained leaders of Boko Haram in Osun State, following a court order.

The suspects, alleged members of Boko Haram/Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP), were planning to launch attacks on the South West, using Osun as a base.

According to a reliable security source, two of the suspects were trained in Algeria and Somalia, with the goal of establishing a network in the South West and recruiting massively for sustainable attacks.

The source commended the DSS for its new leadership but cautioned that more terrorists’ sleeping cells may exist across the South West.

The Court granted the DSS the right to detain the suspects for another 60 days while investigation continued.

The DSS obtained the Court order from a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the detention of the 10 individuals.

The suspects are identified as Adamu Abubakar (aka Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, Babakura Mallam Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo, Muhammed Umoru, and Muhammed Bundi. Sources revealed that the suspects are all from Bornu, Yobe and Bauchi States, with two of them being foreigners.

The DSS arrested the suspects on Dec. 16, 2024, in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun.

The security agency informed the court that the suspects fled from Sambisa Forest following sustained military operations against terrorist factions.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the agency’s request and adjourned the matter until March 3 for mention. Additionally, the DSS detained two suspects for 60 days, who were arrested on Dec. 19, 2024, in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of Osun.

These suspects are linked to a Moroccan terrorist currently in the custody of Spanish authorities.