Police Intercept Truck Carrying ‘40 Bags of Explives’ in Oyo, Arrest Driver
The Oyo State Police Command has intercepted a truck conveying 40 bags of materials suspected to be explosives in the Sango area of Ibadan, the state capital, and arrested the driver in connection with the incident.
The police spokesperson in the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the truck was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation carried out by operatives acting on credible intelligence.
According to Olayinka, the security operatives flagged down the truck while conducting a routine patrol in the area. A search of the vehicle revealed several sacks containing substances believed to be explosive materials, raising immediate security concerns.
“The truck was intercepted following an intelligence tip-off. On inspection, about 40 bags of suspected explosives were discovered. The driver was immediately arrested and is currently in custody for further investigation,” the statement said.
Investigation Underway
The police spokesperson added that the command has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the materials, as well as the motive behind their transportation.
Security agencies, he said, are also working to establish whether the consignment is linked to any criminal or terror-related activities within or outside the state.
Call for Public Vigilance
The command urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to continue providing timely information to security agencies that could help prevent threats to public safety.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious movement or activities,” Olayinka stated.
Security Concerns in Urban Centres
The interception comes amid heightened concerns over the movement of dangerous materials across major cities and highways in the country. Analysts say proactive intelligence-led policing remains critical in preventing potential security breaches in densely populated urban areas like Ibadan.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations, while the seized materials have been secured for forensic analysis.
Source: TheCable