Jun 14, 2026

Zamfara Police Destroy IED After Timely Community Alert

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Gusau, Zamfara State – June 14, 2026 - In a major security success, the Zamfara State Police Command has safely destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by bandits along a road in Tsafe Local Government Area, averting what could have been a mass casualty attack on innocent road users, traders, and commuters.

The operation, carried out on Friday, June 13, 2026, at approximately 4:15 p.m., was triggered by credible intelligence from a vigilant community member in the Kunchin Kalgo axis of Tsafe LGA.

Operatives from the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit responded swiftly, located the carefully concealed device, and neutralised it without any explosion or loss of life.

Photographs from the scene show EOD personnel in protective red helmets and vests, methodically extracting and handling the metallic IED from a hole in the muddy roadside using specialised tools.

The device was strategically positioned to target vehicles and pedestrians, highlighting the deliberate intent to cause widespread harm.

In its official press release, the Zamfara State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police A.M. Bello, psc+, mnips, confirmed that preliminary findings indicate the IED was planted by bandits to inflict mass casualties.

However, robust community engagement and partnerships enabled timely information that allowed the teams to respond before any harm occurred.

“The Command commends the vigilance and cooperation of the local populace, whose support continues to play a vital role in ongoing security operations across the state,” the statement noted.

The Command has reassured residents that investigations are ongoing to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.

Convoy patrols have been intensified across vulnerable areas to deter further threats and protect lives and property.

The Commissioner of Police urged the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies, promising prompt response and confidentiality.\

This successful operation comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara State, where bandits and terrorist elements have increasingly used IEDs on major roads and highways.

Similar incidents in the Tsafe area and other parts of the state, including recent explosions that caused casualties, underscore the growing threat to travellers and local communities.

The June 13 intervention stands out as a clear example of effective community policing in action.

By choosing to report suspicious activity rather than remain silent, one resident potentially saved numerous lives. The Nigeria Police Force has highlighted such partnerships as critical to countering asymmetric threats in the North-West region.

The incident demonstrates the life-saving impact of intelligence sharing between citizens and security forces.

It also reflects the professional capacity of the Zamfara Command’s specialised units in handling explosive threats under challenging field conditions.

While the threat was neutralised, authorities have stressed that sustained vigilance remains essential.

Intensified patrols and continued community collaboration are expected to further degrade the operational capabilities of criminal elements in the state.

The Zamfara State Police Command continues its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, with the Inspector General of Police’s office monitoring such operations closely.

This latest success reinforces the message that partnership between the police and the people remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West.