 commanders behind the Kogi bomb blast and Kuje Prison attack has been arrested.){kind=link}
One of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders behind the Kogi bomb blast and Kuje Prison attack has been arrested.
The Department of State Services (DSS) announced the arrest of the commander identified as Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (a.k.a. Abu Mikdad) in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya on Wednesday.
The blast near the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State occurred on 29th December during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects.
Otaru was allegedly involved in several attacks carried out by the terrorist organisation in Kogi, Ondo States, and FCT, Abuja.
Some of the attacks the arrested commander was involved in or coordinated as cited by DSS included the 24th June 2022, attack on Police Area Command in Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi. Inspector Idris Musa was killed and two AK-47 rifles carted away.
Otaru participated in the 5th July 2022 breach of the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.
On 5th August, 2022, he took part in the attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi. Three Indians were kidnapped.
Five persons, including one Indian, two policemen and two drivers of the company were murdered. The captives were released on 31st August.
Daily Post reports that DSS also announced the arrest of one of the ISWAP topshot’s associates, Saidu Suleiman on 3rd January.
Afunanya disclosed that Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape and is receiving treatment at a health facility.
“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 PRO added.
The DSS stated that the suspects would be prosecuted and urged citizens to support members of law enforcement with timely and relevant information.