The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack on December 29, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State, during the President’s visit to commission some projects.
Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman were said to have been arrested on Tuesday.
According to a statement released Wednesday by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, Otaru sustained a gunshot wound while attempting to escape, but is receiving treatment at a health facility.
Afunanya said, Otaru was a high commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who operated cells in and around Kogi state and coordinated or participated in high-level terrorist activities, including the June attack on the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Kuje Area Council of the FCT.
Also in June, the Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State, was allegedly attacked by Otaru and his gang, killing a Police Inspector, Idris Musa, and stealing weapons.
He is also accused of masterminding the August 2022 attack on the West African Ceramics Ltd in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi, in which three Indian expatriates were kidnapped.
In the attack, five people were killed, including one Indian, two police officers, and two company drivers.
The Service reiterated its commitment to national security.
RN
