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17 March 2025
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Nigeria to probe failed US plane bombing

Northwest Airlines Flight 253 after arriving at Detroit from Amsterdam on Friday. The suspected bomber was overpowered by fellow passengers. (AP)

Published
By AFP

Nigeria yesterday ordered a top-level probe after a botched attempt by a young Nigerian to blow up a US plane as it was preparing to land in Detroit, a government statement said.

"The Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has directed Nigerian security agencies to commence full investigation of the incident," the statement said.

Information Minister Dora Akunyili said Abuja had learnt with "dismay the news of an attempted terrorist attack on a US airline".

"We state clearly that as a nation, we abhor all forms of terrorism," she said. Abdul Farouk Abdul Mutallab, 23, was badly burned as he tried to set off a sophisticated explosive device on a Northwest Airlines Airbus A330 carrying 278 passengers and 11 crew as it began its descent into Detroit on Christmas Day. He was overpowered by fellow passengers and arrested by US security agents on arrival on Friday.

 

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