The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday disclosed that it has arrested the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack, near the palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi State.

The suspects according to the DSS are; Abdulmumin Ibrahim OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and Saidu SULEIMAN.

DSS revealed that 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 DSS stressed in a statement made available to News Express in Abuja.

The suspects were arrested on Service arrested on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

OTARU was said to have sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape.

“He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility”, the statement further disclosed.

In the statement by the Services Public Relations Officer,Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, “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 statement added: “The 24^thJune, 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 5^thJuly, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and 5^thAugust, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped”.

Afunanya went on: “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 31^stAugust, 2022.

“Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly”.

However, the DSS has reiterated its commitment to the safety of the nation.

News Express recalls that the suspects attacked the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, on December 29, 2022, during a State visit by President Muhammadu Buhari, to commission some projects.

The DSS also solicits the cooperation of the members of the public and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary support required to achieve a peaceful country.