The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday, said it arrested the mastermind of an explosion near the Palace of the Traditional Ruler, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in the Okene area of Kogi State.
The Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack occurred last Thursday December 29, 2022 during President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to commission some projects in the state.
In a statement signed by the DSS Spokesperson, Mr. Peter Afunanya disclosed that the the suspect, Abdulmumin Otaru also known as Abu Mikdad and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman were arrested on Tuesday January 3, 2023.
“Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. “
The DSS identified Otaru as a high commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who had carried out many attacks in the North-Central and other parts of Nigeria.
“Otaru operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States. Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly,” the DSS spokesman added.
The suspect was involved in the following operations:
“The 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State. A Police Inspector, Idris MUSA was killed and two (2) AK-47 rifles carted away in that attack;
“The 5th July, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and 5th August, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped. It would be recalled that five (5) persons including one (1) Indian, two (2) Policemen and two (2) drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August 2022.”
Mr Afunanya reiterated its commitment to the safety of the nation and assured Nigerians to work with stakeholders to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality.
He therefore called on citizens to support the DSS and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information to achieve a peaceful country.
PIAK
