Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have intercepted a Golf vehicle conveying a large cache of explosive materials at a checkpoint in Koza, Daura Local Government Area.
Daura is the hometown of the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
The interception was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu. He said the operation followed intelligence-led stop-and-search activities carried out by officers on January 7.
According to Aliyu, the vehicle was driven by a 40-year-old man, Jamilu Musa. A search of the car led to the recovery of 6,975 detonators, which were neatly concealed.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he received the explosive materials from one Najib, who is currently at large, while travelling from Kano State to Kongolam in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State,” the police spokesman said.
Aliyu added that further investigations resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad.
“Following their arrest, 7,500 electric detonators and 30 and a half bags of gelatine explosives, weighing a total of 2,273.65 kilograms, were recovered,” he stated.
The police said all suspects have confessed to their involvement in the offence and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Aliyu explained that the operation was carried out in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence-driven patrols, particularly along major highways.
