DSS Nabs Mastermind Of VBIED Attack In Kogi State
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The mastermind of the 29th December, 2022 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device, (VBIED), attack, Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru, (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman, have been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The attack occurred near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, in Kogi State during the President’s visit to commission some projects.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Department of State Services National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, confirmed Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
The statement noted that investigations revealed that Mr Otaru was a high commander of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in some dastardly operations such as the attack on Nigeria Police Area Command at Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State on 24th June, 2022 in which a Police Inspector, Idris Musa was killed and two AK-47 rifles carted away; attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT on the 5th of July, 2022; and attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi, on 5th August, 2022 in which three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped while five (5) other persons including one Indian, two Policemen and two drivers of the company were also killed in the attack.
The kidnapped expatriates were, however, released on 31st August, 2022.
According to the statement, Otaru operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State and had similarly, alongside his gang, staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States.
The Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation and assured it will work with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.
It, therefore, urged the citizenry to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country.
Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.
