Abuja explosive materials arrest as Nigerian Army detains 11 suspects in Kuje with items believed to be used for IED production

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 11 suspected criminals in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after they were found in possession of materials believed to be used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.

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Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, stating that the suspects were intercepted during an early morning operation in the Kuje Area Council on April 27.

According to security sources cited by Makama, the arrest was carried out at about 12:59 a.m. by personnel of the 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.

The suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were reportedly stopped while travelling in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road.

The vehicle was said to be loaded with suspicious materials believed to be components used in the production of improvised explosive devices.

Preliminary accounts from security sources indicated that the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.

“The suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources,” Makama stated.

Items recovered from them included explosive charges, three and a half bags of unidentified mineral substances, and other related materials considered potentially hazardous.

The suspects are currently in military custody as investigations continue to determine the authenticity of their claims and whether they have any links to criminal or terrorist networks.

Security authorities say the probe will establish the true intent behind the movement of the materials and the broader implications of the arrest.

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The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the development.