Katsina State Police Command has arrested three suspects and recovered a large cache of highly explosive materials during an intelligence-led operation in Daura local government area of the state.
The breakthrough followed a directive by the inspector- general of police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on heightened vigilance and intelligence-driven patrols, particularly on major highways.
In a statement issued by the command's spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the police said operatives, under the leadership of the commissioner of police, CP Bello Shehu, intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle at Koza village in Daura local government area.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on January 7, 2026, during a stop-and-search exercise. The vehicle, driven by one Jamilu Musa, 40, was searched, leading to the recovery of 6,975 pieces of detonators concealed inside the car.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly received the explosive materials from one Najib, who is currently at large, while conveying 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, 22, and Sulaiman Muhammad, 35. From their possession, the police recovered an additional 7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine explosives weighing a total of 2,273.65 kilograms.
The police said the suspects have confessed to the offence and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest other fleeing suspects linked to the illegal possession and movement of the explosives.
The Katsina State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
