Attempt to bomb lagos airpot foiled

An attempt to bomb the  Centrex Unit of the Nigerian 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.