From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack of the 29th December, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State.
In the release by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of the Department of State Services National Headquarters, Abuja and made available to the press on Wednesday said the explosion occurred while expecting the visit of President Muhammad Buhari.
“The Service 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.”
During investigations, ” it was ascertained that OTARU was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either allegedly 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. 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.”
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.
“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, according to the release are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.
The Service reiterated 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.
