Police Intercept Vehicle Conveying Explosives in Katsina

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.

InfoStride News reports that Daura is the hometown of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Katsina by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu.

According to the statement, the interception occurred on January 7 during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation.

“On January 7, while on an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, a team of policemen succeeded in intercepting a Golf vehicle driven by one Jamilu Musa, aged 40.

“Upon immediate search, 6,975 pieces of detonators were recovered from the suspect’s possession, neatly concealed,” Aliyu said.

He revealed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to having received the explosive materials from one Najib, who is currently at large, and was transporting them from Kano State to Kongolam in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Aliyu further disclosed that in the course of the investigation, two additional suspects, Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad, were arrested in connection with the crime.

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

The police spokesman said the suspects confessed to the offence and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, noting that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Aliyu explained that the arrest was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence-driven patrols, particularly along major highways.