The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, on Friday confirmed that the Nigeria Army demolished a bomb factory allegedly belonging to the radical sect, Boko Haram.
The factory, a two-bedroom bungalow, was discovered in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Usman said the building contained a number of dangerous items, capable of causing extreme destruction.
The breakthrough was the result of a ‘Cordon and Search Operation’ a detachment of soldiers carried out with other security agents in Kwanar Shahada, Jushin Chiki in Zaria.
The items recovered which include Improvised Explosive Device making components are: 17 Sensor Mechanical Timers (Remote Controls); 11 Primed Suicide Bombers Vests; 36 Primed IEDs in “Bobo” cans; One military kitbag with support items like saw, hammer, cello tapes and guns; 2 gallons of paint containing prepared IEDs; 2 gallons of turkey oil brand with prepared IEDs; 7 rolls of wires of various lengths; One bag containing several sensors and 25 nine volt batteries.
Usman also stated that one Umaru Mohammed, 60, was arrested within the premises.
He said the police had been briefed to take up the matter for further investigation.
Colonel Usman who disclosed this to journalists after the operation 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.”
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