The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested a commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over the bomb blast that happened in Kogi State.
Several persons were reportedly killed, in the explosion which occured at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Ado Ibrahim on December 29, 2022.
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The blast occurred a few hours before President Muhammadu Buhari’s arrival to commission some projects in the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 4, by the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, one Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru and his associate, Saidu Suleiman, were arrested over the incident on Tuesday, January 3.
According to the DSS, Otaru who is also known as Abu Mikdad is a high commander of the ISWAP and have coordinated or participated in a series of terrorist attacks in different parts of the country.
According to the DSS, Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape arrest.
The agency said he is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
The DSS statement reads partly, “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.”
