The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected bomber who masterminded the bomb attack which occurred on the 29th of December, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State.
That was the day President Muhammadu Buhari visited Kogi to unveil some projects.
The suspected bomber, Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman were arrested on the 3rd of January, 2023.
A statement issued by Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer (DSS), said Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and that he is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
He said 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 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State, in which a Police Inspector, Idris Musa was killed and two AK-47 rifles carted away.
He was also said to be involved in the 5th July, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and 5th August, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three 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 Service reiterates 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.
“It, therefore, calls on citizens to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country,” he said.
