The Zamfara State Police Command has stopped a vehicle transporting 954 suspected explosive materials believed to have been intended for bandits operating within the state.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, who said the driver of the vehicle, Mustapha Mohammad, had been taken into custody.
Abubakar explained that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining after they received credible intelligence.
“On January 27, 2027, at about 4:15 p.m., operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining, led by ASP Aminu Aliyu, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, conducted a successful operation which resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with the unlawful possession of suspected explosive materials,” the statement read.
According to the police, the suspect, identified as a 38-year-old man, was arrested while driving a Toyota Corolla with registration number KUJ 933 EJ. A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of 954 pieces of suspected explosives hidden inside polyethylene bags.
Preliminary findings indicate that the materials were meant for use by bandits to produce improvised explosive devices.
Abubakar said the suspect remained in police custody, while the recovered items had been transferred to the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for proper handling and further examination.
He added that investigators were working to trace the origin and destination of the explosives, as well as uncover the purpose for which they were being transported and identify other persons who may be involved.
“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” he said.
The interception came a few days after a similar operation in Oyo State, where police officers intercepted a truck conveying items suspected to be components of explosive devices in the Saki area of Oke-Ogun.
