……….commanders, arms couriers, and logistical operatives
The Department of State Services (DSS) has ramped up its counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria by filing fresh charges against individuals connected to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
This decisive action underscores the agency’s ongoing commitment to combatting terrorism and securing the safety of Nigerians amid rising concerns over violence and criminal activities linked to these groups.
In a recent statement, the DSS revealed that three separate terrorism cases—designated FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025, and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025—have been submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja. The agency identified the accused as IPOB commanders, ESN fighters, arms couriers, and logistical operatives involved in violent activities throughout the Southeast region.
This latest round of charges reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle networks supporting and facilitating terrorism within Nigeria.
The DSS specifically linked the accused individuals to Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based agitator currently serving a six-year sentence in Finland for terrorism offenses. The agency alleges that Ekpa and his associates provided financial backing, resources, and operational direction to those involved in orchestrating attacks on Nigerian soil. This connection highlights the international dimension of the challenges Nigeria faces in combating terrorism and underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address issues stemming from foreign influences.
Among those charged, Ibrahim Ali Larabo has been identified as a pivotal player within the network. Larabo, an illegal immigrant from the Niger Republic operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change, is charged with terrorism financing. The DSS claims that he managed significant financial transfers for the Ekpa-linked group, facilitating funding for both IPOB and ESN operations. Such financial networks are critical in supporting the activities of these groups, making Larabo’s case a focal point for the DSS.
This recent crackdown aligns with a broader strategy initiated by DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who took office in August 2024. Ajayi has mandated a comprehensive review and forensic reinvestigation of all terrorism cases inherited by the agency. This demonstrates a commitment to re-evaluating strategies and ensuring that the DSS is equipped to handle evolving threats effectively.
The DSS also announced that it is handling several high-profile prosecutions, including those of internationally wanted militants such as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Mamuda) and Abubakar Abba (known as Abu Baara). Their trial is scheduled to resume on January 15, 2026. Additionally, ongoing proceedings continue against individuals involved in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
The agency’s recent enforcement updates include plans to arraign Abdulazeez Obadaki, also called Bomboy, a re-arrested ISWAP commander who allegedly confessed to participating in the attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church and the Deeper Life Church in Okene. Alongside him, Musa Abubakar, identified as a major arms manufacturer and supplier arrested in Plateau State, will also be brought before the court.
In conjunction with these developments, the DSS announced the conviction of Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, a senior ISWAP commander. After pleading guilty before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Ismaila was sentenced to a total of 75 years—15 years for his involvement in one count and 20 years each for the remaining three counts, with sentences to run concurrently.
As the DSS intensifies its investigations and prosecutions, the implications for IPOB and ESN members are significant. The continued legal actions serve as a warning to those involved in supporting or engaging in terrorism. While the fight against terrorism is complex and multifaceted, the Nigerian government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable remains a crucial element in the pursuit of national security and stability.
In conclusion, the DSS’s ongoing efforts to address terrorism linked to IPOB and ESN signify a determined stance against violence and crime. The agency’s actions illustrate the complexities involved in navigating these challenges while aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerian citizens.
