Anxiety Grips Lagos Residents After Arrest of Two Suspected ISWAP Members in Apapa

 

In a development that has sent ripples of concern through Nigeria's bustling commercial capital, authorities apprehended two individuals believed to be linked to the notorious Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group. The arrests, which took place in the heart of Lagos, have heightened worries among locals about the potential spread of insurgency threats far beyond the traditional conflict zones in the North-east.

Lagos, often hailed as Africa's most populous city and a vibrant economic powerhouse, is home to millions of people from diverse backgrounds. For many residents, the news of suspected ISWAP terrorists in Lagos being captured in their midst has evoked a mix of shock, fear, and cautious relief. Parents are double-checking their children's routines, commuters are more vigilant on public transport, and neighborhood watch groups are buzzing with discussions about enhanced security measures.

The two suspects, named Modu Gana and Ibrahim Dugge, were taken into custody on Sunday morning, December 21, 2025, around 8:45 a.m. in the busy Apapa district. Apapa, known for its massive port complex that handles much of Nigeria's imports and exports, is a hive of activity with trucks, workers, and traders constantly on the move. Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria's primary domestic intelligence agency, carried out the operation swiftly and discreetly.

According to insiders close to the matter, the detentions stemmed from reliable intelligence suggesting that the men had moved southward from the insurgency-plagued North-eastern region of the country. Regions like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa have long borne the brunt of attacks by groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP. These areas have seen devastating violence, displacements, and loss of life over the past decade and a half.

As of now, both individuals remain in DSS custody, where they are being questioned to uncover more details about their activities, connections, and intentions. Authorities have emphasized that there is currently no concrete evidence pointing to any planned terrorist attack in Lagos. This reassurance aims to calm nerves, but it hasn't fully quelled the unease spreading across social media and community chats.

One Lagos resident, a trader in Apapa who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared her thoughts: "We hear about these things happening up North, but when it comes close to home, it feels different. My children go to school near here, and now I'm worried every time they step out. Thank God the security people acted fast, but what if there are others?

Similar sentiments echo across the city. In markets, offices, and residential areas, people are talking about the need for greater alertness. Some are calling for more visible policing in key spots like ports, bus terminals, and crowded neighborhoods. The incident has also sparked debates on how insurgency elements might be infiltrating southern Nigeria, potentially seeking refuge or new operational grounds amid intensified military pressure in the North-east.

Understanding ISWAP and Its Growing Reach

To grasp why this arrest of suspected ISWAP members in Lagos has caused such alarm, it's essential to look at the group's background. The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) emerged as a splinter faction from the infamous Boko Haram insurgency around 2016. While Boko Haram gained global notoriety for its brutal tactics, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, ISWAP has positioned itself as a more organized and strategically minded outfit, aligning with the global Islamic State network.

Over the years, ISWAP has controlled territories in the Lake Chad basin, imposed harsh rules on civilians, and launched deadly ambushes on military targets. Security experts note that the group has been actively trying to broaden its influence outside its North-eastern strongholds. This expansion ambition includes recruiting, fundraising, or establishing sleeper cells in other parts of Nigeria.

Although no immediate attack plans were linked to the detained suspects, analysts warn that such movements could signal reconnaissance or logistical setup. Nigeria's government has made significant strides in weakening terrorist groups—recent reports highlight thousands of insurgents neutralized or surrendered under ongoing operations. Yet, the persistence of these threats underscores the complex nature of combating extremism in a vast country like Nigeria.

Official Response and Ongoing Probe

Efforts to get an official statement from the DSS have not yielded immediate results. A spokesperson indicated that the matter hadn't been escalated to their media team yet, reflecting the agency's preference for a discreet approach in sensitive operations. This low-key strategy, adopted more prominently in recent times, is intended to protect ongoing investigations and prevent tipping off potential accomplices.

The arrests highlight the effectiveness of Nigeria's intelligence networks, which have thwarted numerous plots in the past. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities through official channels, reinforcing the message that community vigilance plays a crucial role in national security.

Broader Implications for Lagos Security

Lagos State, with its over 20 million inhabitants, has historically dealt with urban challenges like traffic congestion, flooding, and crime. However, the specter of terrorism adds a new layer of complexity. The state's government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has invested heavily in security infrastructure, including surveillance cameras, rapid response teams, and collaborations with federal agencies.

This incident serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of Nigeria's security landscape. Insurgency in the North-east displaces people and resources, sometimes pushing threats southward. Experts advocate for holistic solutions: stronger military action, improved intelligence sharing, community deradicalization programs, and economic development in vulnerable areas to reduce recruitment pools.

For now, life in Lagos continues with its characteristic resilience. Markets remain open, danfos (minibuses) ply the roads, and the city's nightlife pulses on. But beneath the surface, there's a heightened sense of awareness. Residents are hopeful that swift interrogations will reveal the full picture, ensuring that this remains an isolated incident rather than the start of something more sinister.

As investigations proceed, the people of Lagos—traders hustling in Balogun Market, tech entrepreneurs in Yaba, families in Surulere—hold their breath, praying for sustained peace in their beloved city. This event underscores a universal truth: in the fight against terrorism, eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

In related developments, Nigerian security forces continue to score victories elsewhere. Recent operations in the North-east have disrupted terrorist supply lines, intercepting vehicles loaded with provisions intended for insurgent camps. These efforts demonstrate the multi-front battle being waged to keep Nigeria safe.

Stay informed and stay safe—report any unusual activities to authorities. Lagos remains a city of dreams and opportunities, and with collective effort, it will overcome any shadows cast upon it.