Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of 2 additional ISWAP terrorists connected to the June 5, 2022 Owo Catholic Church bombing.
Director Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor said in a press release early Thursday morning that the 2 suspects were apprehended at Omialafara (Omulafa), Ose LGA, Ondo State on Tuesday 9 August 2022.
He said the new arrests were made through the collaborative effort by military and DSS personnel.
“The suspects are Al-Qasim Idris and Abdulhaleem Idris. It is instructive to note that Abdulhaleem, alongside other high profile ISWAP commanders, had also previously coordinated attacks on military targets in Okene, Okene LGA, Kogi State resulting in casualties.
“It is the avowed commitment of the leadership of the military, Nigeria Police, DSS and other security agencies to work in synergy to enthrone peace and security all over the country. This is due to the need for collaboration as an essential requirement to successfully deal with the existential asymmetric threats currently bedeviling our dear nation, Nigeria.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, during his parley with media executives and editors on Tuesday informed of the arrest of 4 terrorists among those who carried out the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo on 5 June 2022.
They were arrested through a combined operation by military and DSS personnel at Eika, Okehi LGA, Kogi State on 1 August 2022. Those arrested include Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Otohu Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itopa and Auwal Ishaq Onimisi.
