By Damilola Adeleke

Some leaders of Boko Haram, allegedly planning to establish a stronghold in the South West with Osun State as their base, have been detained following a court order obtained by the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS).

According to sources, the suspects are members of Boko Haram/Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) and had already set up a training camp in Osun. At this camp, operatives were reportedly trained on manufacturing and detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

A reliable security source revealed that two of the suspects were trained in Algeria and Somalia. The group’s mission was to establish a network in the South West and recruit members for potential sustained attacks in the region. The source commended the DSS for its proactive efforts under new leadership but cautioned that sleeper cells of terrorists may still exist across the region.

The Federal High Court in Abuja granted the DSS permission to detain the suspects for 60 days while investigations are ongoing. Justice Emeka Nwite approved the ex-parte application filed by the DSS and emphasized the importance of the investigation.

The detained individuals include 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.

The suspects, who were arrested on December 16, 2024, in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State, were reported to have fled from Sambisa Forest due to sustained military operations against terrorist factions. The DSS argued that releasing them would undermine efforts to apprehend other members of the group.

Two additional suspects were arrested on December 19, 2024, in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, Osun State. The DSS stated that these suspects are linked to a Moroccan terrorist currently detained by Spanish authorities.

The Moroccan operative had been in contact with the suspects for over 10 months, coordinating a jihadist communication network and sourcing weapons for potential coordinated attacks in Nigeria. The suspects admitted to owning GSM numbers used in communicating with the Moroccan terrorist.

The DSS has expressed concerns over potential sleeper cells still active in the region. Intelligence indicates the suspects were planning to launch attacks on the South West. Security agencies have been urged to intensify efforts to prevent such incidents and to dismantle any remaining terrorist networks.

Justice Nwite adjourned the case to March 3, 2025, for further mention, allowing the DSS to continue its investigations and safeguard the region.