Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have arrested a 38-year-old man, identified as Mustapha Mohammad, in possession of 954 pieces of suspected explosive materials believed to have been intended for use by armed bandits as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The arrest took place on January 27, 2026, following a targeted operation by the Command’s Task Force on Illegal Mining, based on credible and actionable intelligence. The suspect was intercepted while driving a Toyota Corolla, and a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the explosive materials concealed in polyethylene bags.
According to a statement issued by the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the items recovered are believed to have been destined for criminal use by bandit groups active in parts of northwestern Nigeria. Preliminary police investigations indicate that the materials were likely intended for assembling IEDs that could be used to target security forces, civilians, or infrastructure.
The explosives and related exhibits have been secured and handed over to the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team for safe custody, detailed analysis and forensic examination to determine their precise nature and components. The suspect remains in police custody pending further interrogation as investigators work to establish the source, intended destination, and full purpose of the materials.
Authorities emphasised that ongoing inquiries aim to identify any additional suspects or networks connected to the crime, noting that the arrest represents a significant disruption of a potential supply route for weapons destined for violent criminal use. Investigators said they are tracing links that could point to logistics chains or facilitators enabling banditry and related insurgent activities.
This arrest underscores intensified security efforts in Zamfara State, which has been a hotspot of armed banditry and criminal violence in Nigeria’s North-West region. The deployment of intelligence-led operations and targeted interventions against illicit weapons movements is part of a broader strategy by security agencies to deny armed groups access to explosive materials and other combat-enhancing resources.
Security officials have reiterated calls for public cooperation, urging community members to provide actionable tips that could help law enforcement track down illegal arms supplies and prevent further destabilising incidents. They cautioned that the illegal possession and transport of explosive devices poses grave risks to public safety and deepens the threat environment for residents and security personnel alike.
As the investigation continues, the police have indicated they will communicate further developments publicly, including any additional arrests or connections uncovered through forensic and intelligence work.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments