Police recover explosives cache, arrest three suspects in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has recovered a large cache of explosive materials and arrested three suspects in an intelligence-led operation, underscoring heightened security efforts along major highways in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, said the operation followed directives from Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence-driven patrols nationwide.

Read also: Police arrest armed robbery suspect, recover weapon in Kano

According to the police, officers intercepted a Golf vehicle at Koza village in Daura Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of the driver, Jamilu Musa, 40. A search of the vehicle uncovered 6,975 detonators concealed inside.

Preliminary investigations showed that Musa allegedly received the explosive materials from a suspect identified as Najib, who is currently at large, while travelling from Kano State to Kwangolam in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The police said further investigations resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects, Ibrahim Murtala, 22, and Sulaiman Muhammad, 35. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine explosives weighing about 2,273.65kg.

All suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the illegal possession of the explosives and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, the police said, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

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