The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested two men that were allegedly behind the recent explosion that occurred near the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, in Okene, Kogi State during a visit by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, on Wednesday, the security outfit said it arrested one Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (a.k.a. Abu Mikdad) and his associate, Saidu Suleiman, yesterday.
He said, “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it has arrested the mastermind 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 the President to commission some projects.
“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.”
Afunanya added: “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. 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.
“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 spokesperson reiterated the commitment of the Service to the safety of the nation and assured that the Service 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.
He called on the general public to support the DSS and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country.
