The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday says 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 President Buhari. The suspects arrested are Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu SULEIMAN. OTARU sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed health facility.
The DSS in s statement released by its spokesman, Dr Peter Afunaya disclosed that in the course of investigations, it was ascertained that OTARU was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and coordinated 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 the 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 persons including one Indian, two Policemen and two drivers of the ceramics company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August, 2022.
OTARU is alleged to have operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States. The DSS confirmed that the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.
