Security operatives bust suspected IED supply network in Kano

Security operatives have uncovered a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) supply cell in Kano, heightening concerns about the presence of covert terrorist and criminal networks operating within the city.

The operation, carried out at about 4:30 p.m. on January 10, followed actionable intelligence and took place in the Rijiyar Lemo area of Fagge Local Government Area.

Two suspects — Maimuna Adam, 24, and Abubakar Mohammed, 27, both residents of Kurna Tudun Bujuwa — were arrested during the coordinated raid.

Items believed to be used in the construction of IEDs were recovered at the scene, including 34 bags of assorted electrical cables, a dynamite stick, and quantities of urea fertiliser.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) experts were immediately deployed to secure the area and prevent any potential danger.

Security sources disclosed that the suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation, while forensic and technical examinations are being conducted on the seized materials to determine their source, intended purpose and any links to broader extremist or criminal networks.

Preliminary security assessments suggest the dismantled cell may not be operating in isolation.

The volume and nature of the recovered items point to deliberate preparation for bomb-making rather than casual or incidental possession.

Analysts note that the combination of fertiliser, explosives and electrical wiring aligns with known IED construction methods used by insurgent groups and organised criminal networks.

Authorities are particularly concerned about the urban location of the cache.

While Kano has largely avoided large-scale terror attacks compared to the North-East, intelligence officials say major cities increasingly function as logistics and supply hubs for networks whose attacks are carried out elsewhere, including parts of the North-West.

Sources explained that such urban cells often remain dormant, focusing on sourcing, storing and moving materials, as well as providing logistical support to operatives in other theatres. Disrupting these support nodes, they noted, is as vital as confronting armed groups in rural hideouts.

The arrest of a female suspect has also drawn attention to the evolving tactics of extremist and criminal groups, which are increasingly involving women in logistics and support roles to evade detection and exploit profiling gaps.

Given Kano’s strategic role as a commercial and transport hub linking several regions, security officials described the operation as a major pre-emptive success that may have prevented either an attack within the city or the transfer of explosive materials to other states.

However, experts caution that the incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities, particularly in the monitoring of fertiliser distribution, commercial explosives and bulk electrical components, which can be diverted for malicious purposes if left unchecked.