The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed that it has arrested the masterminds of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack which occurred on 29th December, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects.
The Service in a statement by Dr. Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer of the DSS, said they arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman on 3rd January, 2023.
“Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility,” Afunanya stated.
He added that during investigations, it was ascertained that “Otaru was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in the following dastardly operations:
“The 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State, in which 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 Indian expatriates were kidnapped”.
The DSS spokesman recalled that five persons including one Indian, two Policemen and two drivers of the company were also killed in the attack.
“The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August, 2022,” he said, but did not add if ransom was paid or not.
Afunanya added that “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, he added, “the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly”.
He gave assurances of the Service its commitment to the safety of the nation.
“It assures to work assiduously with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.
“It, therefore, calls on citizens to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country,” he said.
