A combined team of security agencies have uncovered a bomb making factory in Zaria, Kaduna State, recovering Improvised Explosive devices in various stages of completion and arresting a 60- year old man, Umaru Mohammed in the process.
The raid which was carried out by a combined team of officers of the Nigerian Army, the Police and operatives of the State Security Service is coming barely four days after explosions rocked the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations in charge of the One Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, told journalists in his office that the exercise took place in the early hours of Thursday.
He also disclosed that in line with the resolve of security agents in the country to fight terrorism, the two bedroom bungalow housing the bomb factory has been demolished while the suspect and the items recovered are in custody.
Col. Usman said: “We invited you to inform you that following a tip off from well-meaning citizens of this country, a combined team of troops of the Nigerian Army, elements of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Security carried out a cordon and search operation at Kwanar Shahada, Jushin Ciki, Zaria city, Kaduna State yesterday, Thursday, November 29, 2012 from 01300 -0800 hours (1.30-8.00am) local time.
“During the operation, a two bedroom bungalow of bomb factory was discovered in which Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in stage one of readiness and several IED making components were recovered as follows: 17 sensor mechanical timers (remote controls), 11 primed suicide bombers vests, 36 IEDs in bobo cans, one military kitbag with support items like saw, hammer, cello tape and gums, two gallons of paints containing prepared IEDs, two gallons of turkey oil brand with prepared IEDs, seven rolls of wires of various lengths, one bag containing several sensors and 25 nine volt batteries.
“A 60-year old man, Umaru Mohammed was arrested within the premises and in line with our resolve to deter terrorists, the building housing the factory was demolished. Both the suspect and the items recovered are in custody.
“Headquarter, 1 division, Nigerian Army would like to use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the well-meaning citizens that reported the matter and also reiterate our resolve to fight terrorism in this country.
“We also wish to appeal to the general public to report any suspicious movement, establishment or persons in their environment. We wish to assure you that any information provided would be treated with absolute confidentiality.”
