ABUJA, December 26 – Nigeria on Saturday 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 very clearly that as a nation, we abhor all forms of terrorism," she said in the statement.
Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, 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.
Media reports said Abdulmutallab, who boarded the plane in Amsterdam, had flown to the Dutch city\\\’s Schiphol airport from Lagos.
"While steps are being taken to verify the identity of the alleged suspect and his motives, our security agencies will cooperate fully with the American authorities in the on-going investigations," the government statement said.
The government will be "providing updates as more information becomes available," Akunyuli added.
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