By Deborah Nnamdi
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the illegal possession of a large cache of highly explosive materials in the state.
The items were intercepted in a Volkswagen Golf vehicle at Koza village in Daura Local Government Area following intelligence-led patrols along major highways.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, the arrest was in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on heightened vigilance and proactive policing.
Sadiq said police operatives, while conducting a stop-and-search operation on January 7, 2026, intercepted the vehicle driven by one Jamilu Musa. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 6,975 pieces of detonators neatly concealed inside.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he received the explosive materials from one Najib, who is currently at large, and was transporting them from Kano State to Kwangolam in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad. Police also recovered 7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine explosives weighing a total of 2,273.65 kilograms from the suspects.
The police spokesperson said the suspects have confessed to the offence and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect..
