DSS nabs mastermind of explosion near Okene monarch’s palace
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
In furtherance to its commitment to security of the nation, the Department of State Services (DSS) has re-affirmed that those bent on causing havocs disturbing the peace of Nigeria will, themselves, not have peace unless they stop.
That being takeaways from the proactiveness of DSS as it was, in no distant time, able to identify and nip in the bud the cause of Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack near the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebira Land in Okene, Kogi State, on Thursday December 29, 2022.
In an official statement signed by its Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, dated Wednesday December 4, 2023 and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER, the DSS disclosed that it arrested, on Tuesday January 3, mastermind of the attack.
The DEFENDER reports that the evil merchants carried out the deadly act during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the FCT neighbouring state for the purpose of commissioning some projects built by Governor Yahaya Bello.
Proactively, the Service went after elements behind the explosion and arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman.
According to the statement, Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and 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:
“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,” the statement.
It said, “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.
“Attached are photographs of the suspects,” Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi, said.
