The Department of State Services recently conducted an operation resulting in the apprehension of 10 individuals suspected of having affiliations with the Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province in Ilesa, Osun State. The operation took place at an old bungalow near St. Mary Catholic Church in Ilesa-East Local Government Area. The suspects were identified as Adamu Abubakar, Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, Babakura Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo, Muhammed Umoru, and Muhammed Bundi.
The DSS disclosed that the suspects were undergoing training in manufacturing and detonating explosives. The operation, which lasted 90 days, involved two teams from the DSS headquarters. Following the arrests, some senior officers were transferred from Osun, and over 150 personnel were redeployed to northern states.
There had been prior intelligence indicating the suspects’ intentions to carry out attacks, and the DSS had been monitoring them since 2023. The arrested individuals were also linked to bank robberies in the region. This is not the first instance of DSS apprehending suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members in Osun, as similar arrests were made in Ile-Ife in 2022.
Community leaders expressed concerns following the arrests, with residents feeling apprehensive about living among potential terrorists. The incident has heightened vigilance among locals, with many expressing fear and uncertainty about the situation.