Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
GUSAU, Nigeria — A joint security team has successfully neutralised an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo axis in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, averting what authorities say could have been a deadly incident along one of the region’s vulnerable transit routes.
According to an official statement issued on February 6 by the Zamfara State Police Command, the device was discovered and rendered safe at approximately 8:00 a.m. following coordinated action by specialised units responding to intelligence reports of suspected terrorist activity in the area. The operation involved personnel from the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Military’s EOD team. The team operated with heavy security backup from the command and was led by Superintendent of Police Abdulrazak Musa Hassan.
Authorities said the device was identified as a pressure-plate improvised explosive device, a type of bomb typically triggered when stepped on or driven over. Such devices are designed to detonate under weight or pressure and have been used in conflict-affected areas to target vehicles, security convoys, or unsuspecting civilians. The discovery along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road, a corridor frequently used by commuters and local traders, heightened concerns over the potential for mass casualties had it gone undetected.
The joint team implemented standard Render Safe Procedures, commonly referred to in military and police technical operations as RSP, to safely neutralise the device. Officials stated that the procedure was executed professionally and without incident. Explosive components recovered at the scene have been secured and will undergo forensic examination to determine their composition, origin, and possible links to known insurgent or bandit networks operating within the region.
Following the neutralisation of the device, security operatives conducted a comprehensive sweep and technical assessment of the surrounding area to rule out the presence of additional explosives. The command confirmed that after detailed checks, the axis was certified free of further IED threats, allowing normal movement of residents and commuters to resume.
Zamfara State, located in Nigeria’s north-west, has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including armed banditry, kidnappings and sporadic attacks attributed to criminal gangs and terrorist elements. While much of the violence in the region has involved raids on rural communities and abductions for ransom, security agencies have increasingly reported the use of improvised explosive devices as part of evolving tactics employed by armed groups.
Security analysts note that the deployment of pressure-activated explosives along roadways represents a dangerous escalation, potentially aimed at targeting security patrols or instilling fear among civilian populations. The successful detection and neutralisation of the device in Tsafe is therefore being viewed by authorities as a significant preventive measure that may have saved lives.
In the statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Yazid Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Zamfara State Command, the command commended the professionalism of the joint security team and reiterated its commitment to proactive counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations. The Commissioner of Police in the state, whose office the statement represented, emphasised that collaboration between police, military, and specialised units remains critical in addressing emerging threats.
The police further encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities promptly. Community cooperation, authorities stressed, plays a vital role in pre-empting attacks and ensuring rapid response by security agencies. Intelligence provided by residents has in several previous cases contributed to the interception of planned assaults or the arrest of suspected criminals.
Residents in Tsafe and neighbouring communities have expressed relief following news of the operation, though many remain concerned about ongoing insecurity in parts of the state. The Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo axis serves as a key route for agricultural and commercial activities, and disruptions along the corridor can significantly affect livelihoods. By clearing the threat and certifying the area safe, security officials aim to restore confidence and prevent economic paralysis.
The recovered explosive materials are expected to undergo laboratory analysis to determine whether they share characteristics with devices previously deployed in the region. Forensic findings could provide insight into supply chains, technical expertise, and possible cross-border links, given the broader security dynamics affecting Nigeria’s north-west and adjoining regions.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any arrests were made in connection with the planted device, nor have they publicly attributed the act to a specific group. Investigations are ongoing, and security presence in the area has reportedly been reinforced as a precautionary measure.
The neutralisation of the IED underscores the continuing threat posed by non-state armed actors in Zamfara and the importance of coordinated security responses. As the state grapples with complex security challenges, officials maintain that sustained intelligence-driven operations and community engagement will remain central to preventing further incidents.
For now, the swift action of the joint security team has averted what could have been a catastrophic event along a critical transport corridor, reinforcing calls for vigilance and collective responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
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