by Zainab Imam
Operatives of the have intercepted a vehicle conveying a large cache of explosive materials at a security checkpoint in , Local Government Area of .
The interception occurred during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation when officers flagged down a Volkswagen Golf driven by a 40-year-old suspect. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 6,975 detonators carefully concealed inside the car.
Police investigations following the arrest resulted in the apprehension of two additional suspects linked to the movement of the explosives. Subsequent searches led to the recovery of about 7,500 electric detonators and 30 and a half bags of gelatine explosives, weighing over two tonnes, believed to have been stockpiled for illegal use.
According to police sources, preliminary findings indicate that the explosive materials were sourced from and were being transported to a community in Local Government Area of Katsina State. One key suspect alleged to have supplied the explosives is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to track him down.
The police said the suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The command noted that the operation was carried out in line with directives from the leadership to intensify intelligence gathering and highway patrols amid rising security concerns in the North-West.
Security analysts say the interception may have averted a major security breach, given the quantity and nature of the explosive materials recovered. The Katsina State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.