KatsinaThe Katsina State Police Command has arrested three suspects and recovered a large cache of highly explosive materials during an intelligence led operation in Koza village, Daura Local Government Area of the state.
The operation followed a directive by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence driven patrols, particularly along major highways. Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives intercepted a Golf motor vehicle during a stop and search operation in the area.
The vehicle was driven by one Jamilu Musa, aged 40. A search of the car led to the recovery of 6,975 pieces of detonators, which were neatly concealed. The suspect was immediately arrested and taken into custody.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he received the explosive materials from one Najib, who is currently at large. He disclosed that he was transporting the items from Kano State to Kwangolam in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.Further investigation by the command led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad. A follow up operation resulted in the recovery of 7,500 electric detonators and 30 and a half bags of gelatine explosives weighing about 2,273.65 kilograms from the suspects.
Police said all the suspects confessed to their involvement in the illegal possession and movement of the explosive materials, which were being transported without lawful authority and posed a serious threat to public safety.
The command said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, while efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Police Command to sustained intelligence led operations aimed at preventing crime and strengthening security across the state and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police.
