The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against seven individuals accused of involvement in a coordinated network operating across parts of the country.

According to a statement by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the suspects were charged at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 19 under cases FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, 633/2025, and 634/2025.

Dozie explained that the suspects are alleged to have participated in activities including financial facilitation, logistics, and armed operations associated with separatist groups. One of the suspects, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, reportedly ran a bureau de change that the DSS says was connected to financial transactions under investigation.

“The suspects were established to be involved in coordinating operations, and some were accused of arms dealing and other roles within the network,” the DSS said.

The agency also reported progress in another long-running terrorism case. Ismaila, also known as Mai Tangaran, who faced charges related to attacks on police facilities in 2012, was convicted and sentenced to prison terms by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The trial, which began in 2017, concluded with the defendant receiving 15 years on one count and 20 years each on three other counts, all to run concurrently.

The DSS confirmed that trials involving other internationally wanted suspects, including Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, are scheduled to continue on January 15, 2026. Prosecution against Khalid al-Barnawi, related to the 2011 UN building attack, is ongoing.

Separate trials are also underway for five defendants charged in connection with the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo. Additionally, ten suspects linked to recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states are facing prosecution.

The DSS said that under the leadership of Director-General Adeola Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024, all inherited case files are being reviewed and investigations strengthened with forensic-led approaches to support ongoing prosecutions. (Vanguard)