An Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) member has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the explosion that occurred in Okene, Kogi State, close to the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
When President Muhammadu Buhari visited to commission certain projects on December 29, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack took place.
Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru, also known as Abu Mikdad, was identified as the mastermind in a statement released on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya.
The terrorist group’s “high commander,” Otaru, is said to have planned or participated in a number of previous attacks.
The DSS mentioned the 24th June, 2022, attack on Police Area Command in Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi. Inspector Idris Musa was killed and two AK-47 rifles carted away.
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 stated that the suspects would be prosecuted and urged citizens to support members of the law enforcement with timely and relevant information.
The Kogi government had accused disgruntled politicians of culpability in the explosion that claimed at least three lives.
