Katsina: Vehicle loaded with explosives intercepted in Daura

By Zubairu Idris

Three suspects have been arrested over a Golf vehicle carrying a large cache of highly explosive materials intercepted by police operatives at a checkpoint in Koza, Daura local government area of Katsina State

Items discovered in the car include 7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine weighing 2,273.65 kg, Katsina police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the car was intercepted on Jan. 7 by police operatives on an intelligence-led stop and search operation.

He said the team of policemen succeeded in intercepting a Golf vehicle driven by one Jamilu Musa, aged 40 and upon instant search, 6, 975 pieces of detonators were recovered in the suspect’s possession, though they were neatly concealed.

The Katsina Police Command spokesperson further revealed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to have received the materials from one Najib, now at large, en route Kongolam, Mai’adua LG, Katsina State, from Kano State.

He added that in the course of further investigation, two suspects, one Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad, were also arrested in connection with the offence.

“7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine weighing 2,273.65 kg were also recovered in their possession,” he said.

The Katsina Police spokesperson said the suspects confessed to the commission of the offence, and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Aliyu added that efforts were being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect.

The PPRO explained that it was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence-led patrols, especially along highways.

He noted that the Katsina state Police Command, under the leadership of CP Bello Shehu, would continue to intensify intelligence-led patrols and other strategies aimed at protecting the lives and property of people of the state.

(NAN)