Police Confirms Intercepting Car With Explosive Materials, Arms in Kano

The Nigeria Police Force, Kano Command, has confirmed the interception of a car loaded with explosive materials and other weapons in the Bubbugaje area of Kumbotso Local Government Area (LGA), Kano State, northwestern Nigeria, on Thursday, May 19, 2022. 

According to a statement released on Saturday, May 21, 2022, the police successfully intercepted a Mercedes Benz car loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), AK-47 rifles, and ammunition after receiving intelligence that the car was travelling from Jigawa to Kano state. 

“Following a hot chase, the suspects abandoned the Motor Vehicle at Bubbugaje Quarters Kumbotso LGA, Kano State,” the statement signed by Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police public relations officer said. 

“A technical search conducted by the team revealed that the motor vehicle was fully loaded with Improvised Explosive Device materials. Two (2) AK-47 Rifles, Four (4) AK-47 Magazines, One Thousand and Ninety-Eight (1,098) Live Ammunition, and Two (2) Pistol Magazines were also recovered,”  the statement added. 

The police urged the people of Kano State to be vigilant and to call the attention of security agencies whenever they come across anything suspicious in their area. 

“In case of emergencies, the Command can be contacted via 08032419754, 08123821575, 08076091271, or log into the ‘NPF Rescue Me’ Application available on the play store,” the police said. 

Since the explosion that rocked a school and nearby shops in the Sabon Gari area of the state on May 17, there has been tension. Residents have reported an increase in the number of checkpoints in the state. 

Although the police had described the recent blast as a gas explosion, witnesses insisted it was the handiwork of a suicide bomber.
Kano has been a major target for terrorists in the past, with numerous Boko Haram attacks recorded since 2012, including the devastating mosque attack in 2014.