Posted by In connection with the explosion that occurred close to the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State, the Department of State Services (DSS) has detained a member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
On December 29, a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonated during President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to commission certain projects.
Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer, identified Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru, also known as Abu Mikdad, as the scheme’s main architect in a statement on Wednesday.
Otaru, who is referred to as “a high leader” of the terrorist group, either planned or participated in a number of subsequent attacks.
The attack on the Police Area Command in Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi on June 24, 2022, was mentioned by the DSS. Two AK-47 weapons were taken away along with the murder of Inspector Idris Musa.
Otaru took part in the raid on the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Center on July 5, 2022, in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja.
He participated in the assault on West African Ceramics Ltd. (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi, on August 5, 2022. Three Indians were taken hostage.
One Indian, two police officers, and two corporate drivers were among the five people killed. The prisoners were freed on August 31.
The security agency also reported that Saidu Suleiman, a member of the ISWAP topshot, had been detained on January 3.
Otaru is receiving medical care at a hospital after being shot in the left foot while attempting to flee, according to Afunanya.
“In and around Kogi State, Otaru ran terrorist cells. He and his group have also organized many kidnapping operations in the states of Kogi and Ondo, the PRO continued.
The DSS announced that the accused would face legal action and urged civilians to assist law enforcement by providing timely and pertinent information.
Disgruntled politicians were blamed by the Kogi administration for the explosion that resulted in at least three fatalities.