The Department of State Services, DSS, says it has arrested the mastermind of the 29th December, 2022 Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device, (VBIED), attack in Kogi State, Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru, (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman.
The attack occurred near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, during President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state to commission some projects.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Department of State Services National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, confirmed that Mr. 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 many high-profile attacks including the attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, in Abuja on the 5th of July, 2022.
According to the statement, the suspect operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State and had alongside his gang, staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States.
ABS Abuja Bureau Chief, Ekwi Ajide reports that 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.
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