Just in: DSS apprehends ISWAP leader, other mastermind of Kogi explosion

The Department of State Service (DSS) on Wednesday announced the arrest of Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru a.k.a Abu Mikdad, ISWAP commander, and his associate, Saidu Suleiman.

Otaru has been involved in several dastardly operations causing mayhem and terror around Kogi and Ondo States.

The DSS disclosed that aside the December 29 2022, Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack which occurred near the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Otaru was also involved in the kidnaping of three Indian expatriates.

The Service confirmed that the notorious criminal is in their custody and will be prosecuted accordingly while it reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of the nation.

” 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.

“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,” a statement given to Persecondnews said.

It added:”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.

“Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU was also 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 projects.”