Fight against terrorism JTF Recovers 36 Bombs In Kano Raid

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kano said it has scuttled plans by “terrorist elements” to carry out fresh attacks in the state during a “pre-emptive” operation yesterday morning.   Muslim faithful are preparing for the Ed-el-fitr billed for this Saturday to mark the end of this year’s Ramadan fast. Addressing newsmen yesterday at the […]

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kano said it has scuttled plans by “terrorist elements” to carry out fresh attacks in the state during a “pre-emptive” operation yesterday morning.

 

Muslim faithful are preparing for the Ed-el-fitr billed for this Saturday to mark the end of this year’s Ramadan fast.

Addressing newsmen yesterday at the headquarters of the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army in Kano, the JTF, through the state Director of State Security Service (SSS), Mr Bassey Eteng, disclosed that it had recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition as well as explosive devices that were to be used in the said plan.

JTF also said it arrested three persons in connection with the foiled attack.

According to the task force, the weapons were uncovered during a raid around 6:00am on a suspected hideout of the “terrorist elements” inside a bush in Tudun Bayero in Gadan Tamburawa suburb of Kano.

The hideout, which is located about 10 kilometres from Kano city off Zaria road, was initially used as a poultry house, said JTF.

Eteng said the raid was based on security information.

He stated, “From intelligence available, the materials and ordinances were to be used on innocent persons during the forthcoming Sallah celebration,” adding that the place was also used for production of propaganda materials by the group.

While urging members of the public to be more vigilant and to always avail security agencies with information that can help in restoring peace to the state, the director said investigations are still continuing with a view to apprehending more suspects. “We hope to make the state as peaceful as possible, so that people can go about their normal businesses,” he said.

Items recovered in the raid, according to JTF include: 36 IEDs of various calibres, five guns, four smoke guns, 739 rounds of various calibres of ammunition, 2.5 litres of nitric acid and seven bags of ammonia fertilizer.

Also recovered were three face masks, military uniforms, banners with Arabic inscriptions, 90 packs of bangers, 55 medical syringes and hand gloves, among others.

Also, the SSS director confirmed the arrest of the owner of Al-Amir restaurants chain, Alhaji Muktari over suspected links with the Boko Haram sect.

Eteng however disclosed that the suspect had been released by the JTF after being questioned.

“He was released the very day he was arrested after he was interrogated,” he said.

It would be recalled that the owner of the popular restaurant which has outfits across the country was picked on Thursday evening by men of the JTF at his residence in ‘Yan Majalisa Estate in Gwammaja quarters.

Sunday Trust could not reach him for comment.