By Omobolanle Shosanya
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the terrorist responsible for the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack which occurred in Kogi State during President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to commission some projects.
The explosion occurred on the 29th December, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene.
DSS Spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya,iin a statement to newsmen on Wednesday said, the Service has arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu SULEIMAN on 3rd January, 2023.
He said Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
According to him,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.
He also said,on the 24th June, 2022, he was part of the attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State.
A Police Inspector, Idris MUSA was killed and two AK-47 rifles carted away in that attack,he added.
He said,on the 5th July, 2022, he was involved in an attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and on the 5th August, 2022, he was involved in an attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped.
He added”It would be 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. 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”
He reiterated the commitment of the service to the safety of the nation and assured that it would work assiduously with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.
