Army uncovers bomb-making factory in Kaduna, arrests nine

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it had uncovered a bomb-making factory at Sabon-Birni, Kawo in Kaduna State.

Curiously, the factory is just a few meters away from the Kaduna Army headquarters, which was bombed last year by suspected Boko Haram members.

The Army said it arrested nine persons, including five children in connection with the bomb-making factory.

Addressing reporters at the Headquarters of the One Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on Wednesday, its Internal Security Commander, Brig.-Gen Tagbo Ude, said the building housing the factory belonged to a former All Nigerian Peoples Party Chairmanship aspirant in the Federal Capital Territory, Husseni Dei Dei.

Ude, who said officers of the division uncovered the factory following a tip-off, also confirmed that the house, where the factory is located, was just some few meters away from the Division headquarters.

According to him, soldiers on Tuesday at about 5.30pm, found several Impoverised Explosive Devices, arms and ammunition in the premises following a cordon and search operation.

Ude said, “Following an intelligence report, a raid was carried out at the residence of Husseini  Dei Dei. The residence is on Sabob Birni Road, Kawo New Extension, just behind Dalet Barracks Kaduna by 1 Division Internal Security Force on Tuesday, March 9, 2013 at about 5.30pm.

“During the operation, the following items were recovered-six AK 47 rifles, one light machine gun, 27 loaded and 17 empty AK 47 magazines and 58 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Also, found were 275 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one loaded light machine gun, nine prepared cans of Impoverished Explosive Devices, one reel of firing cord and 125 pieces of detonators.

“We would like to seize this opportunity to solicit more information about these terrorists and to assure you that any information received will be treated with absolute confidentiality.

“Once more, let me assure the good people of Kaduna State, in particular and Nigerians that the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies, will not relent in ensuring the safety of lives and properties of the good citizens of our dear nation.”

He added that the recovered weapons were in soak away pits and in the ground within the building.

He said in line with Army’s resolve to deter terrorists from their activities, the building would be demolished.

 The commander, while commending efforts of well-meaning citizens, who alerted the authorities on the matter, reiterated the Army determination to fight terrorism in the country.