DSS rearrests Ansaru terrorist commander who escaped from Kuje jail break

The Department of State Services (DSS) has recaptured a fugitive linked to the Ansaru terrorist group and the 2022 Kuje Correctional Centre jailbreak in Abuja, security sources confirmed on Thursday.

The suspect, Abdulaziz Obadaki, was found to have played a “masterminding role” in the jailbreak that freed hundreds of inmates, according to intelligence briefings.

First arrested earlier but escaped justice, the individual was reportedly a high‑ranking Ansaru operative responsible for coordinating sleeper cell operations across Nigeria and facilitating the escape of terror suspects.

In July 2022, the Kuje Correctional Centre was attacked, leading to the escape of some 879 inmates, many of whom were regarded as high‑profile terror suspects.

According to the DSS, the recapture marks a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts and will feed into prosecutions underway under terrorism legislation.

The DSS has not yet released further details about the arrest nor provided a date for any formal charges or arraignment.