By Festus Fifen.
The Department of State Services (DSS) 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 in the state.
A statement from the Public Relations Officer of the Service Peter Afunnaya, says, Men of the DSS arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu SULEIMAN on 3rd January, 2023.
The statement says OTARU sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
the statement says, during investigations, it was ascertained that OTARU is a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who either coordinated or was involved in so many terrorist operations. which includes The 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State where a Police Inspector, Idris MUSA was killed and two (2) AK-47 rifles carted away, 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 which resulted in the killing of (5) persons including one (1) Indian, two (2) Policemen and two (2) drivers of the company before the kidnapped expatriates were later released on 31st August, 2022.
The statement added that OTARU operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State where 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 Service reiterates 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.” Afunanya said
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