Nigerian authorities say they seized dozens of explosive devices and rocket launchers during raids on two homes in the restive northern Gombe area.

Police official Bitrus Asha says 60 improvised explosive devices and bomb-making materials were confiscated at a house in Gombe Thursday, and five people arrested.

A sixth person was arrested at the second house in the Barunde suburb of Gombe, where 51 rocket launchers turned up along with several dozen bags of fertilizer, and acid that can be used in making bombs.

Police have not confirmed if the suspects are members of the radical Islamic group Boko Haram, which has carried out deadly attacks in Nigeria.

Boko Haram has said it wants to establish an Islamic state in northern Nigeria and does not acknowledge Nigeria's government and constitution.