Major Bust in Zamfara as Operatives Seize 98 Explosives Worth ₦13m Bound for Bandits

Operatives of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards have intercepted 98 explosive devices and arrested a commercial driver allegedly transporting them to a bandit-controlled area in the state.

The suspect, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, was apprehended along the Gusau–Dansadau road while heading towards Bindin village in Maru Local Government Area, an area reportedly dominated by bandits.

Addressing journalists in Gusau, the Commandant of the outfit, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, disclosed that the suspect was driving a Golf vehicle when operatives stopped and searched him.

According to him, the search led to the discovery of 98 explosive devices, ₦13 million in cash, and three brand new motorcycles packaged in cartons. Other items recovered included cartons of cigarettes, suspected Indian hemp, and crates of apple fruits.

Dalijan stated that the suspect confessed to transporting the items to illegal miners in Bindin village, adding that many of the miners are believed to be bandits or their collaborators. He further alleged that such explosives are commonly used by bandits to attack security operatives in the state.

“The explosive devices are the ones the bandits use to attack security agents on the road, as it has been happening in the state on several occasions,” he said.

The Commandant added that eight other individuals had been arrested for questioning in connection with the case, while the suspect would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns over the link between illegal mining activities and banditry in Zamfara, with authorities intensifying efforts to disrupt supply chains supporting criminal groups.

Share to: