Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 11 suspected criminals found with materials believed to be used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama said in a post on X that the suspects were intercepted in Kuje Area Council during an operation carried out in the early hours of April 27.
Security sources told Makama that the arrest was made at about 12:59 a.m. by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.
According to the sources, the suspects, made up of 10 males and one female, were stopped while travelling in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road.
The vehicle was said to be loaded with materials suspected to be used for producing IEDs.
Initial findings revealed that the suspects said they were heading 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 said.
Items found in their possession included explosive charges, three and a half bags of unidentified mineral substances, as well as other related materials.
The suspects are currently being held in military custody.
Security sources added that investigations are ongoing to determine their true intention and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.