Kogi bomb explosion: DSS arrest ISWAP high commander, associate

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) which took place near the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi State last month.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the service spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya on Wednesday.

The attack happened on 29th December, 2022, during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects in the state.

According to the DSS, Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu SULEIMAN were arrested on 3rd January, 2023. OTARU sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and currently receiving treatment at a health facility.

OTARU was also revealed to be a high commander of ISWAP who have carried out terrorist attacks in Kogi and Ondo States, including the FCT.

“During investigations, it was ascertained that OTARU was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in 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, 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.

“OTARU operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States. Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly” the DSS noted.

The Service further reiterated its commitment to the safety of the nation. It assures to work assiduously with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.

The DSS however called on citizens to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country.