Police operatives in Katsina State have disrupted what authorities described as a dangerous attempt to move explosive materials across the state, following the interception of a vehicle loaded with detonators and other highly sensitive items.
The operation, carried out by police officers on routine highway duty, led to the stopping of a Volkswagen Golf suspected to be conveying illicit materials.
Officers immediately subjected the vehicle to a detailed search after receiving intelligence alerts.
According to the police, the inspection uncovered thousands of detonators carefully hidden inside the car.
A senior police source said the quantity recovered was “large enough to pose a serious threat to public safety if it had reached its destination.”
The driver of the vehicle, identified as a middle-aged man, was taken into custody for questioning.
During interrogation, investigators said he admitted that the explosives were handed to him by another individual who is currently on the run.
Further inquiries reportedly widened the scope of the investigation, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be linked to the movement and storage of the materials.
A subsequent search allegedly yielded more detonators as well as several bags of gelatine explosives with substantial weight.
“The arrests show that this was not a one-man operation,” a police spokesperson said.
“We are dealing with a coordinated network, and our officers are determined to dismantle it completely.”
The Katsina State Police Command said all suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect.
Police authorities stressed that the operation was part of a broader directive from the Inspector-General of Police aimed at strengthening intelligence-led patrols, particularly along major highways.
Moreover, the command assured residents that enhanced surveillance and proactive policing would continue across the state.
“Our priority remains the protection of lives and property,” the police said, urging the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.