An Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) member responsible for the blast near the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State and the Kuje prison attack has been arrested by men of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack occurred on 29th December during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects.
Acoording to a statement signed and released by Peter Afunanya , the Spokesman for the Department of State Services, Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (a.k.a. Abu Mikdad) was fingered as the mastermind of the attacks.
Otaru, described as “a high commander” of the terrorist organization, either coordinated or was involved in several other attacks.
Otaru participated in the 5th July, 2022 breach of the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.
On 5th August, 2022, he took part in the attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi. Three Indians were kidnapped.
Five persons, including one Indian, two policemen and two drivers of the company were murdered. The captives were released on 31st August.
The security agency also announced the arrest of one of the ISWAP topshot’s associates, Saidu Suleiman on 3rd January.
Afunanya disclosed that Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and is receiving treatment at a health facility.
“Otaru operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States”, the PRO added.
The DSS has now appealed to the citizens of the country to always cooperate with the agency by being helpful with information in their quest to rid the country of criminal activities,
Recall that the Kogi government accused disgruntled politicians of being responsible in the explosion where few persons lost their lives.
