From Suleiman Idris, Lagos
A suspected suicide bomber was yesterday arrested by security officials close to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
The presence of the young man who was disabled, threw the airport into confusion following the incident, as people scampered to safety.
A source, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said the man was arrested for allegedly planning to bomb the Centrex unit of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) along the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
The source said the suspect was arrested by the security operatives as he attempted to detonate the explosive device he wore round his body, adding that the suspect’s movement attracted the attention of security operatives who immediately picked him up.
He said, “Our security men were curious of his presence at the place and they queried him, but the explanation he gave was not convincing. So, they kept an eye on him. A few seconds later, they discovered that he was struggling and protecting an object tied around his neck.
“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.”
As at press time, the suspect was still being held at the Beesam Police Station within the airport, undergoing interrogation.
All attempt to get the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mr. Waheed Salahu to offer explanations on the development proved abortive as he refused to speak to journalists who besieged his office. An officer however said the matter has been transfer to the police headquarters in Abuja.
An eyewitness at the time of his arrest, Jumoke said the alleged suspect appears to be physically challenged.
A statement by NAMA’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Supo Atobatele confirmed the arrest of the suspect at NAMA facility, adding that the Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam commended the security personnel for their vigilance and prompt arrest of the suspect.
A call put through to the MTN phone number of the Police Public Relation Officer, Frank Mba did not go through.
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