The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old man, Mustapha Mohammad, over the alleged unlawful possession of suspected explosive materials.
The arrest was effected by operatives of the command’s Task Force on Illegal Mining, acting on credible intelligence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the suspect was intercepted while driving a Toyota Corolla.
Abubakar said a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 954 pieces of suspected explosive materials concealed in polyethylene bags.
According to him, preliminary findings indicate that the recovered items were likely meant for use by bandits as improvised explosive devices.
He added that the suspect is currently in custody, while the exhibits have been secured and handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit for proper handling and detailed analysis.
The police spokesman noted that investigations are ongoing to trace the source and destination of the materials and to identify other individuals linked to the crime.
He said further updates would be made available as the investigation progresses.
The development comes days after the Oyo State Police Command announced the interception of a truck conveying materials suspected to be explosive devices during a stop-and-search operation in Saki, Oyo State.