Police in Zamfara State have arrested a suspect in possession of 954 pieces of suspected explosive materials, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Mustapha Mohammad, was apprehended on Jan. 27 at about 4:15 p.m. by operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining, the Zamfara State Police Command said.
Police spokesman Yazeed Abubakar said the suspect was driving a Toyota Corolla with registration number KUJ 933 EJ when he was stopped and searched by the task force led by Aminu Aliyu.
“The search led to the recovery of 954 pieces of suspected explosive materials concealed in polyethylene bags,” Abubakar said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the materials were intended for use by bandits as improvised explosive devices, police said.
Mohammad is being held in police custody, while the recovered items have been handed over to the police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team for safe custody and detailed analysis.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the source, destination and intended use of the materials and to identify and arrest other suspects linked to the case. The command said it would provide further updates as the investigation continues.
