The State Security Services, SSS, says it has arrested two suspects in connection with the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device attack which occurred in Okene, Kogi State, on December 29 2022.
Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer of the SSS, confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday and obtained by our reporter.
The security Police said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, January 3rd 2023, giving the names of the suspects as Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru also known as Abu Mikdad and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman.
The statement noted that Otaru who is a high commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape but is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.
Also read: Explosion rocks Okene, kills 2, several others injured
Afunaya in the statement added that the suspect, Otaru who has been involved in several deadly operations, operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State, having his gang involved in several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States.
The state service reiterates its commitment to the safety of the nation while assuring 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 will be recalled that the bomb exploded near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State few hours before the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari in the town to commission some legacy projects of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration on Thursday 29th December, 2022, a development the state government says it will unravel.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
