DSS NABS MASTERMIND OF EXPLOSION IN OHINOYI PALACE, KOGI STATE
The Department of State Services (DSS) 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 the President to commission some projects.
The Service arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman on 3rd January, 2023.
Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
Information available indicates that Otaru was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and also coordinated the following dastardly operations:
i. 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.
ii. The 5th July, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and
iii. 5th August, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped. It would be recalled that five (5) persons including one (1) Indian, two (2) Policemen and two (2) drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August, 2022.
Further investigations revealed that Otaru operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States.
Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.
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