TheCable

A suspect in the May 20 bombing of Jos Central Market has been arrested, according to defence spokesman, Major-Gen. Chris Olukolade.

He also said other would-be bombers have been picked up by the security agencies.

The twin bombing of the market led to nearly 100 deaths, according to official figures.

Olukolade disclosed at a joint news conference by the National Information Centre, Abuja.

He said the suspect was already providing the lead for subsequent aspects of investigation into the incident.

According to him, security agencies are carrying out nationwide surveillance.

The surveillance is yielding positive results, he said.

Olukolade said “a number of persons, who are planning to continue the bombing spree, have also been arrested.

“But as a mark of vigilance of the security agencies, as well as the citizens who are giving useful information, the bomb planners were apprehended.

“Troops have continued to raid locations and in the course of which, a number of arrests have been made in places like Kachia in Kaduna State and Zamfara.”

The defence information director said arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects in a raid he said would continue so as to check violence in the country.

He also confirmed Tuesday’s killing of 25 security personnel, comprising 12 soldiers and 13 policemen at Buni Yadi town, Yobe, by the Boko Haram insurgents.

He said the attack was “primarily targeted at the town”.