PHOTOS: Police intercept vehicle loaded with bomb materials, rifles in Kano

Kano State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other sophisticated guns headed into the state from neighbouring Jigawa State.

Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa disclosed this in a statement made available to The Star sent in Kano.

The suspect was reported to have fled and abandoned the vehicle in Bubbugaje Quarters of Kumbotso LGA of the state.

The statement read: “At about 1630hrs of the same date, following a hot chase, the suspects abandoned the motor vehicle at Bubbugaje Quarters Kumbotso LGA, Kano State.

“A technical search conducted by the team revealed that the motor vehicle was fully loaded with IED materials. Two AK-47 fifles, four AK-47 Magazines, 1,098 live ammunition, and two Pistol Magazines were also recovered.”

The Star earlier reported that gas explosion had killed nine people and injured many others in Sabon Gari area of the city.

SP Kiyawa said they have also made arrest in connection with the illici/toxic chemical dealings and cumbustible materials which are used for making IEDs.

Meanwhile, the police stated that arrests have been made linking one of the collapsed shop with dealings in sales of illicit, toxic chemical substances and combustible materials suspected to be used for making IEDs. “Evidence of purchase was also recovered. An investigation is in progress,” the statement noted.

The police spokesman confirmed that one of the victims of the gas explosion also traded in the chemicals that are used in making the IEDs.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that, among the 9 victims of the explosion, one of them deals in illicit storage of toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials. He was later identified as Michael Adejo (now late),” he said.

The police said the items recovered in connection with the earlier explosion include five bottles of different brands of Acidic Liquid, three bags of Potassium substance, one jeri can of mixed chemicals, six and a half (6.5) cartons of snuff (tobacco) and five drums of polymer.

The police further commended the religious leaders, traditional rulers and other community leaders for supporting their activities in the state.

SP Kiyawa, therefore, urged residents of the state to continue to support the police with necessary intelligence and report any suspicious activity.

He called on the people to desist from taking laws into their hands as police would continue to raid any criminal hideout in the state.

The Star