DSS Nabs Mastermind Of Kogi Explosion

The DSS has nabbed the alleged mastermind of the Kogi explosion.
The incident occurred on December 29, 2022.
The explosion rocked near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested the alleged mastermind of an explosion near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State.

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Recall that the explosion, a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack, happened during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects in the state.

In a statement issued by the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, on Wednesday, the service disclosed that its operatives arrested the attack’s mastermind, Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru, and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman, on Tuesday.

Otaru’s alleged associate, Saidu Suleiman

According to the secret police, investigations revealed that Otaru, who sustained a gunshot injury during his arrest, was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in some attacks on government facilities in 2022.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it 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 statement reads.

“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.

“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; and

“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 also implored Nigerians to support law enforcement ogranisations with relevant information on criminals.

“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.