CITIZENS COMPASS: THE Department of State Services (DSS), says it has arrested the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack which occurred during President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to commission some projects in Kogi State.
The attack occurred on December 29, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene.
Dr. Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesman who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the service arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his accomplices, Saidu Suleiman on 3rd January, 2023
Otaru, he said, sustained gunshot injuries on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
“It would be recalled that five (5) persons including one Indian, two Policemen and two drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were released on August 31, 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 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.”
