In a significant intelligence-driven operation, the Katsina State Police Command has successfully averted a potential disaster by intercepting a vehicle carrying a massive cache of explosive materials in the Daura area.
Major Security Breakthrough at Koza Checkpoint
According to the command's spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the operation took place on Tuesday, January 7. Police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a stop-and-search at a checkpoint in Koza, Daura Local Government Area.
Their vigilance paid off when they intercepted a Golf vehicle. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Jamilu Musa, was immediately searched. The search revealed a shocking find: 6,975 pieces of detonators were discovered, carefully hidden inside the vehicle.
Confessions and Further Arrests
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to receiving the dangerous materials from an individual named Najib, who is currently at large. Musa was transporting the explosives from Kano State to Kongolam in Mai'adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The police did not stop there. Following further investigation, two additional suspects were apprehended in connection with the crime. They are Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad.
An even larger haul was recovered from these suspects. The police found:
- 7,500 electric detonators
- 30 and a half bags of gelatine explosives, with a total weight of 2,273.65 kilograms.
Next Steps and Ongoing Manhunt
DSP Aliyu confirmed that all the arrested suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime. They will be formally charged to court as soon as the police conclude their investigations.
The spokesperson also emphasized that efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect, Najib, who supplied the explosives. This interception highlights the continued efforts of security agencies in Northern Nigeria to combat the illicit movement of materials used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have been a source of insecurity in the region.
