Alert policemen have prevented what could have been a major disaster by foiling a suicide bomber on a mission to a major police station in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State in Nigeria’s troubled North-East. The incident happened this morning, according to a statement issued in Abuja by the Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade.

“The target of the attack was ‘A’ Division of Police Command situated by the main round-about in the heart of the town,” Olukolade said.

“The attempt was however foiled as the culprit was arrested by the police personnel on duty. A total of 6 already constructed turbine containers loaded with explosives as well as 20 liters of petrol and 11 bags of beans chaff have been recovered from the scene,” the statement further said, adding:

“The recovered materials are in the custody of the Joint Taskforce Headquarters in Damaturu. The police anti-bomb squad has safely detonated the explosive.”

•Photo shows Defence Spokesman, Maj.-Gen. Olukolade.