In a major intelligence-led operation, Oyo State police operatives intercepted a truck carrying 40 bags of explosives in the Sango area of Saki, averting a potential security disaster. The truck, a DAF vehicle with registration number Ogun SGM 765 XB, was seized late Friday night at about 11:10 p.m., officials said.
The driver, Mutairu Yusuf, 30, a resident of Atiru Compound, Chikanda in Kwara State, was immediately arrested following the discovery. Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosives had been loaded in Ibadan and were allegedly being transported to Chikanda, a strategic border town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State that serves as a key trade and transit point to the Republic of Benin.
Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama described the seizure as “a timely intervention that prevented a serious security threat,” noting that the vehicle’s concealment methods suggested a well-organized operation.
Upon discovery, a joint investigation was launched, involving the Police Monitoring Unit and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) team. Authorities are now working to trace the origin, intended destination, and potential use of the explosives.
Chikanda’s role as a commercial checkpoint along the Nigeria-Benin border has made it a focal point for cross-border trade—and, authorities warn, a potential hotspot for illicit activities, including the movement of explosives. Security operatives say the operation highlights ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal arms and explosives trafficking in the region.
Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could pose threats to community safety.
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