Abuja – The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested two suspects in connection with the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack which occurred in Okene, Kogi State, on December 29 2022.
Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer of DSS,confirmed the arrest of the suspects believed to be members of ISWAP in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday,January 3.
“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,” Afunaya said in the statement
It will be recalled that the bomb exploded near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State few hours before the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari in the town to commission some legacy projects of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration.
Three people died instantly as a result of the explosion while another injured victim later died in a hospital, bringing the total number of deaths to four.
The state government had in a swift reaction said that the explosion was caused by a faulty electricity transformer in the area.
However, the DSS, said
during investigations, that the bomb attack was carried out by Otaru, a high Commander of ISWAP and one of his associates.
“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:
i. 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;
ii. The 5th July, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and
iii. 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,” the statement said.
Afunaya stated that the two suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly very soon.
“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,” the DSS said in the statement.(vitalnewsngr.com)
