ISWAP Commander convicted as DSS intensifies prosecution of terror suspects across Nigeria
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a senior Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
The conviction forms part of a broader push by the Department of State Services (DSS) to fast-track long-running terrorism cases and prosecute newly arrested suspects linked to attacks across the country.
The Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Department of State Services (DSS), Favour Dozie while given update on terrorism prosecution of suspects said as follows:
On 18 November 2025, ISWAP leader Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, pleaded guilty before Justice Emeka Nwite to a four-count terrorism charge under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013. Tangaran, on trial since 2017, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on count one and 20 years each on counts two, three and four. The sentences will run concurrently.
According to the DSS, Tangaran coordinated the 2012 attacks on the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, as well as assaults on other strategic installations, leaving many injured.
UN Building Bombing Case Continues
The Service also confirmed ongoing prosecution of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the 26 August 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja. Al-Barnawi and four co-defendants are facing terrorism charges for their roles in the deadly attack that shook the diplomatic community.
Owo Church Attack: Five Suspects Facing Trial
Another major case before the Federal High Court involves five suspects charged under suit FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 for alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, where dozens were killed and many injured. The DSS said their prosecution is progressing.
Trials of Internationally Wanted Terror Suspects Resume January
The DSS further disclosed that trials of two internationally wanted terrorism suspects—Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (aka Abu Baara)—will resume on 15 January 2026 before Justice Nwite. Both men had earlier been declared wanted for alleged links with global terror networks.
10 Suspects Held Over Plateau, Benue Attacks
Equally in court are 10 terror suspects arrested in connection with attacks in Benue and Plateau States, apprehended shortly after President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Among those awaiting arraignment is recaptured ISWAP commander Abdulazeez Obadaki (aka Bomboy), who reportedly confessed to masterminding the Owo church attack and an assault on Deeper Life Church, Okene. Also set for prosecution is Musa Abubakar, described as a major arms manufacturer and supplier arrested in Plateau State.
Nine IPOB Commanders Charged With Terrorism Financing
In a separate development, the DSS on 19 November 2025 filed terrorism charges against nine IPOB commanders allegedly linked to Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa, who is already serving a six-year sentence for terror-related offences in Finland.
Filed in five separate suits, the suspects were accused of receiving funds and material support from Ekpa and other foreign-based IPOB members to finance violent activities in southeastern Nigeria.
A key defendant, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, a Nigerien national accused of terrorism financing, was arrested for operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change allegedly used to channel funds for the proscribed group. The DSS described the suspects as IPOB/ESN commanders, arms couriers, dealers, and foot soldiers.
DG-DSS Orders Review, Forensic Re-evaluation of All Inherited Cases
The Department disclosed that since assuming office in August 2024, Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi ordered a comprehensive review of all pending terrorism cases. He also mandated forensic investigations to strengthen evidence and ensure diligent prosecution in line with Nigerian law.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and prosecuting all individuals involved in terrorism across the country.
