The Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully dismantled an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) sleeper cell in Ilesa, Osun State, following a covert operation that lasted over 90 days. The meticulously planned raid, conducted in the early hours of December 16, 2024, resulted in the arrest of 10 suspected ISWAP operatives and has shed light on alarming plans for terror attacks within the region.
Covert Operation and Arrests
The operation, which targeted an old bungalow near St. Mary Catholic Church in Ifofin and Ogbon Idio, Ilesa-East Local Government Area, involved a team of 30 DSS operatives deployed from the agency’s headquarters. The suspects, identified as Adamu Abubakar (alias Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, Babakura Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo, Muhammed Umoru, and Muhammed Bundi, were allegedly undergoing training on manufacturing and detonating explosives at the time of their capture.
The arrest followed extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering that began in 2023, after initial reports of an ISWAP plan to attack a church in Ilesa. Despite early challenges, including a suspected intelligence leak from local operatives, the DSS escalated its efforts, deploying two tactical teams to monitor the suspects’ activities.
Security sources revealed that the operation, executed without gunfire, was a result of precise intelligence and months of meticulous planning. The raid uncovered materials linked to ISWAP, including bomb-making equipment, heightening concerns about the group’s activities in the area.
The arrest only became public knowledge on January 10, 2025, when the DSS filed an application with the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to detain the suspects for 60 days pending further investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the group was preparing for coordinated terror attacks, although the specifics remain under wraps.
The arrests have sparked widespread fear and disbelief among residents of Ilesa, who were unaware of the suspects’ alleged activities. Described by locals as peaceful wristwatch and accessory vendors, the individuals had reportedly lived in the community for years.
“We were shocked when they were arrested. We have not seen or heard from them since,” said Mohammed Borni, a local leader. Another community elder, Abba Chellu, confirmed that 11 individuals were detained in two separate operations, leaving many residents uneasy.
“We’ve always lived peacefully, but now we’re more cautious,” said Bimpe Olaiwola, a local tailor. Others, like Tope Niyi, called for heightened security awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This is not the first time the DSS has conducted such operations in Osun State. In 2022, the agency apprehended suspected terrorists in Ile-Ife with alleged links to ISWAP. However, the recent bust in Ilesa underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups attempting to establish footholds in the region.
As investigations continue, the operation serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to counter the evolving tactics of terror groups in Nigeria. The DSS has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining national security, while locals in Ilesa are left grappling with the reality of living in a community once infiltrated by terrorists.
This successful operation highlights both the challenges and triumphs of Nigeria’s security apparatus in tackling the persistent threat of terrorism within the country.
PIONEER NEWS 