Enugu — AN attempt by four persons to blow up the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu with explosives was yesterday foiled by operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Department, EOD, of Enugu State Police Command.

The suspects, whose identifies had been kept secret for security reasons, were apprehended while driving to the airport at about 8.30am yesterday.

The four suspects, including the driver of their vehicle with registration number including KJA 359 AP, were heading to the airport when the EOD operatives halted them.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest, said when the vehicle was searched by the operatives, some items believed to be dangerous fireworks contained in two cartons, one packet of celebration thunder of ten shots candle were discovered in the vehicle.

Shocked by the discovery which came a day after similar fireworks wreaked havoc in Lagos, the security operatives detained them to prevent them from getting to their target which is believed to be the airport.

The police spokesman said the suspects were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Enugu for interrogation.

He said the four men were already helping the police in their investigations and gave no further details about their findings.

He added that the investigation was being conducted by men of the state criminal investigation Department in Enugu and would soon be arraigned in court soon.

Meanwhile, the state commissioner of police, Mr. Musa Daura, has renewed his call on members of the public to be security conscious, law abiding and refrain from the use of knockout or fireworks because of its security and safety implications.