Security operatives have successfully neutralised an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists along the Danjibga-Kuncin Kalgo axis in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation was conducted by a combined force of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD–CBRN) Unit, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Military EOD, with heavy backup from the Zamfara State Police Command.
In a statement on Saturday, police spokesman Yazid Abubakar said the operation, which took place on Friday, was led by SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan.
“The security team applied standard Render Safe Procedures (RSP) to professionally and safely neutralise a pressure-plate IED discovered at the location. The explosive components were recovered and secured for further forensic examination,” Abubakar said.
Following a comprehensive sweep and technical assessment, the area was declared safe and free of additional IED threats, restoring safety for commuters and residents.
Abubakar urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts across the state.
Zamfara is among several states in northwest Nigeria affected by banditry, with non-state actors carrying out deadly attacks and kidnappings for ransom despite security deployments.
These gangs operate from camps in forests spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger states, launching raids on rural communities.
According to SBM Intelligence, between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were kidnapped in 997 incidents across Nigeria, with 762 killed. Kidnappers demanded around ₦48 billion but collected only ₦2.57 billion (approximately $1.66 million).
During the period, the Lagos-based security advisory firm said, “Nigeria’s kidnap-for-ransom crisis consolidated into a structured, profit-seeking industry.”
In November, US President Donald Trump warned Nigeria of potential military action over the alleged mass killings of Christians by radical Islamist groups.
