By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Department of State Services (DSS) has re‑arrested a high‑profile terrorist commander from the Ansaru group, nearly three years after he escaped during the 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja.
The suspect, identified as Abdulazeez Obadaki, is alleged to have masterminded the August 7, 2012 massacre at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State, and coordinated the 2022 bank attacks in Uromi, Edo State.
He had initially been arrested but escaped custody during the Kuje prison break, which freed 879 inmates, many suspected militants.
Sources say DSS operatives, acting on intelligence, captured Obadaki on Friday. The arrest underscores a renewed push by security agencies to clamp down on extremist networks following a series of high‑profile attacks.
In a statement, the national security adviser confirmed the re‑arrest, emphasising that the operation demonstrates the state’s commitment to “relentlessly track and neutralise agents of terror.”
Obadaki is now in DSS custody and is expected to be charged with terrorism, bank robbery and related offences.
