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 President Buhari has been arrested by the Department of State Service DSS
According to a signed statement by the DSS Spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu SULEIMAN were arrested on 3rd January, 2023.
He said OTARU sustained gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
Investigations indicates that OTARU who is a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) also spare headed several other operations including the 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State that claimed the life of a Police Inspector, Idris MUSA and two (2) AK-47 rifles carted away.
The suspect was also allegedly involved in 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.
“Five persons including one Indian, two Policemen and two drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were later released on 31st August, 2022”.
Afunanya who stated that the suspects are in custody and would be prosecuted accordingly, further linked them to several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo states.
The Service reiterated its commitment to the safety of the nation assuring efforts 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.
Afunanya also urged citizens to support the DSS and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country.
