Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have intercepted a Golf vehicle conveying a large cache of highly explosive materials at a checkpoint in Koza, Daura Local Government Area of the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday Evening by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu.
According to the statement, the interception occurred on January 7 during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation. A team of policemen stopped the vehicle, which was driven by one Jamilu Musa, aged 40.
“Upon instant search, 6,975 pieces of detonators were recovered from the suspect, neatly concealed in the vehicle,” DSP Aliyu said.
He revealed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that he received the explosive materials from one Najib, who is currently at large, while en route to Kongolam in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State from Kano State.
The police spokesperson added that further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad, in connection with the crime.
“About 7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine, weighing 2,273.65 kilograms, were also recovered from the suspects,” he stated.
DSP Aliyu said all the suspects confessed to the offence and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect.
He explained that the operation was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence-led patrols, particularly along major highways.
The PPRO further noted that the Katsina State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, remains committed to intensifying intelligence-led patrols and other security strategies to protect lives and property across the state.
