Police officers in Katsina State have intercepted a vehicle carrying a large quantity of explosive materials during a routine security operation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the interception occurred at a checkpoint in Koza, Daura Local Government Area.
According to him, “On January 7, while on an intelligence-led stop and search, a team of policemen succeeded in intercepting a Golf vehicle driven by one Jamilu Musa, aged 40.”
Aliyu explained that a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of dangerous items.
“Upon instant search, 6,975 pieces of detonators were recovered in the suspect’s possession, neatly concealed,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that during questioning, the suspect admitted how he obtained the explosives.
He said the man confessed that he received the items from one Najib, now at large, while travelling towards Kongolam in Mai’adua Local Government Area from Kano State.
He further disclosed that the investigation led to additional arrests.
“In the course of further investigation, two suspects, one Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad, were also arrested in connection with the offence,” Aliyu stated.
More explosives were recovered from the additional suspects.
“7,500 electric detonators and 30 and half bags of gelatine weighing 2,273.65kg were also recovered in their possession,” he said.
According to the police spokesman, they “confessed to the commission of the offence, and would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
He added that police are still searching for the suspect who escaped, noting that efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
He further said the operation followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on increased vigilance and intelligence-led patrols, especially on major highways.
He also assured residents that the Katsina State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Bello Shehu, would continue to strengthen security measures to protect lives and property across the state.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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