NSCDC arrests woman with explosives in Cross River

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a woman with three suspected improvised explosive devices in Cross River.

Speaking at the command headquarters on Tuesday, Samuel Fadeyi, NSCDC commandant in the state, said the suspect, identified as Aniebet John, was arrested on June 25.

Fadeyi said the suspect was arrested with three explosives, including three connecting components.

According to him, the 31-year-old suspect was arrested in Akamkpa LGA of the state while trying to send the explosives to an unidentified source in Obubra LGA of the state.

“The lady was trying to send the device she had sealed in a nylon bag to Obubra LGA,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“We all know in Cross River as at now that Obubra LGA is exclusive because of the conflict between Nko community in Yakurr LGA and Onyadama in Obubra LGA.

“Sending explosives through public transport is illegal, hence we had cause to intercept this lady who said she was sent by somebody to send it to another person.

“We are on the trail of the other suspects who are also involved in it, but are now at large.”

Fadeyi said investigation revealed that the suspect’s husband works in a construction company as a blast master.

He also said the explosives were suspected to be some of those used in one of the construction companies in Akamkpa, which the husband may have smuggled.

According to Fadeyi, the command will transfer the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

“As a corps, we have a unit called the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive unit which makes us familiar with some of the explosives in their packages,” he said.

“When explosive moves, the national security adviser knows about it. The national security adviser informs the security agencies about the origin, route and destination so that we can keep track of it and ensure they are used for the purpose.

“This explosive device is capable of causing more harm to humans and properties if detonated.”

The suspect, however, pleaded ignorance, saying she was only carrying out instruction from her husband to send the items to Obubra LGA.

“This is the first time my husband would send me to do this kind of waybill’’, she said.

Fadeyi also advised residents in the state to be vigilant about their safety and report any suspected person or groups of persons to security agencies.

The development comes days after troops of 13 Brigade intercepted a Toyota Camry “smuggling explosives and other assorted ammunition” in Calabar, Cross River state.