The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed significant progress in ongoing terrorism-related prosecutions across Nigeria. Seven key IPOB commanders linked to Simon Ekpa have been charged with receiving funds and material support for terrorist activities in the southeast. Among them is Ibrahim Ali Larabo, an illegal immigrant from Niger accused of operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change to facilitate financing. Simon Ekpa has already been convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment in Finland.

The DSS also announced the successful conviction of Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, a former ISWAP leader responsible for coordinating attacks on the Police Headquarters in Kano State in 2012. He received concurrent sentences totaling 20 years. Trials for other high-profile suspects continue, including Khalid Al-Barnawi over the 2011 UN complex bombing, and five individuals linked to the 2022 Owo church attack. Ten additional suspects from Benue and Plateau states have been apprehended under direct orders from President Bola Tinubu.

High-value suspects awaiting arraignment include Abdulazeez Obadaki (aka Bomboy), a recaptured ISWAP leader, and Musa Abubakar, a key arms supplier. Since assuming office in August 2024, DG-DSS Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi has mandated comprehensive case reviews and forensic investigations to ensure diligent prosecution. The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to bringing terrorists to justice and enhancing national security across Nigeria.