Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, at the
Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos by
a suspected Boko Haram member was yesterday
foiled by security operatives.
A source close to the airport said that the
unidentified suspect was arrested around midday by
the security operatives when he attempted to detonate
the explosive device strapped to his body.
According to reports, the suspect appeared to be a
handicapped beggar soliciting alms within the
vicinity but his suspicious behaviour aroused the
curiosity of the officers who prevented the suspect
from detonating the explosive device at the complex.
On a closer look, the suspect was found to be actually
handicapped, but had a suspected suicide bomb vest
strapped around his waist.
Another source close to the agency insisted that the
vigilance of the agency's security officers prevented a
disaster as the suspected bomber was immediately
arrested before he could detonate the device.
The source said: "Our security men were curious of
his presence at the place and they queried him, but
the explanation he gave was unconvincing. So, they
kept an eagle eye on him.
"A few seconds later, they noticed that he was
struggling to press an object which was wrapped
around him. They had to swoop on him and they
discovered a deadly explosive on him.
"The airport police command was promptly alerted
and he was immediately handed over to the police. I
can confirm to you that he was immediately taken to
the Beesam Police Station within the airport.
"Why he chose NAMA and airport is still unknown
to some of us here." Our correspondent, however,
confirmed that the suspect was undergoing
interrogation at the police station. The
Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mr.
Waheed Salahu, declined to comment, saying that it
would be too premature to talk with journalists.
But a source close to the command confirmed the
story to our correspondent. The source, however,
could not confirm if the suspect was a member of the
deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram, but confirmed that
the explosive devices were on the suspect as at the
time of arrest.
Also, NAMA General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr.
Supo Atobatele, in a statement yesterday said the
suspect was on ground making phone calls along the
Airport Road, close to CENTREX, an annex office of
NAMA when he was apprehended by security
personnel.
"The basic truth, however, is that the said suspect
was on the ground making phone calls along the
airport road close to CENTREX, an annex office of
NAMA when the agency's security personnel
accosted him of his presence.
"His incoherent explanation exposed him to the
security personnel who later found on him some
devices suspected to be explosives. "He was
subsequently handed over to the Airport Police
Command for further investigation."
NAMA Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim
Abdulsalam, in his reaction commended the security
personnel for their vigilance and prompt arrest of the
suspect.
Coiled from National Mirror#
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