The State Security Service (SSS) has arrested nine persons in connection with the bomb blasts which occurred near the Eagle Square, venue of Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on Oct. 1.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Service, Merlyn Ogar, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday said that all the suspects had direct links with Mr Henry Okah, the Leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and some prominent elements in the society.
Ogar, however, said that due to the ongoing investigations on the explosions, the names of the suspects and their sponsors would not be disclosed.
She said the bombers had planned to carry out their act on Sept. 29 but had to put off the act when information on the attack reached security agencies on Sept. 28.
Ogar said the objective of the bombers was to scare foreign visitors from attending the Oct. 1, 50thIndependence Anniversary.
“The despicable act of terrorism which eventually took place on Oct. 1, 2010 was planned for Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 but was foiled as soon as the information was received during the early hours of Sept. 28 2010.
“The overriding objective of the group was to scare foreign visitors from attending the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on Oct. 1, 2010,“ Ogar said.
She said the bombers had initially planned to bomb the Three Arms Zone with six vehicles prepared for the purpose.
However, Ogar said that the SSS in collaboration with the military towed away nine vehicles meant for the operation.
She said that during the operation, two vehicles abandoned near the SSS Headquarters were removed, two from the Villa Gate by the National Assembly, one from the Eagle
Square and two from the Apo Legislative Quarters.
The SSS Spokeswoman said that when the FRSC and VIO were co-opted into the operation to tow away abandoned vehicles, 65 of such vehicles were removed from their abandoned positions in the morning of the anniversary.
Ogar said when the plan `A` of the group was foiled, they “resorted to the penetration of the Eagle Square in an attempt to plant explosive devices.“
She said the SSS having got wind of the plan to plant devices deployed hi-tech equipment in and around the Eagle Square and effectively condoned off the area.
“However, the rain showers of that morning provided the leeway for the double parking by motorists. In the process, the perpetrators apparently gained access to
park on the roadside as well,” she said.
Ogar urged the public to avail security agencies with useful information that could lead to further arrests of people in connection with the bomb blasts.
(NAN)
