The Kano State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has intercepted suspected explosive materials and illicit drugs in two separate intelligence-led operations conducted across parts of the metropolitan local government areas of the state.
The operations were confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, who said the actions followed actionable intelligence and directives from the state police leadership.
Kiyawa disclosed that on Monday, operatives attached to the Rijiyar Lemo Police Division, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, executed a search warrant at a residence located in Tudun Bojuwa Quarters, Fagge Local Government Area.
According to him, two large sacks containing suspected incriminating materials were recovered from the premises, prompting the immediate deployment of a team of experts from the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Unit to conduct recognition and identification of the items.
“One of the sacks was discovered to contain six rolls of detonating cords, while the second sack contained 20 parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and 220 sachets of suspected Exol tablets,” Kiyawa stated.
He added that investigation into the discovery was ongoing.
In a second operation, Kiyawa said officers attached to the Anti-Thuggery Unit of the command, while on intelligence-driven surveillance patrol, intercepted a commercial tricycle rider at Sani Mainagge Quarters in Gwale Local Government Area.
He said the tricycle was found to be conveying three bags suspected to contain heavy and dangerous materials, leading to the invitation of operatives of the EOD-CBRN unit for further examination.
Kiyawa explained that the examination led to the discovery of 3,700 pieces of electric detonators concealed in the bags.
The tricycle rider, according to the police, led operatives to the arrest of a suspect identified as Ibrahim Garba, also known as ‘Manyan Baki’, aged 49, from Zamfara State.
Kiyawa said the suspect confessed to facilitating the movement of the explosive materials from Nasarawa State en route to other destinations.
“The command has launched an intensive investigation to uncover the source, network and intended use of the materials,” he said.
Commending the officers involved in the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies.
He called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements, items or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Kiyawa also warned residents against handling suspicious objects, saying, “The public is advised not to touch any suspicious item seen, keep distance, and immediately report it to the Police.”
