The Zamfara State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle transporting 954 suspected explosive materials, believed to be destined for bandits operating in the state.
Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the driver, Mustapha Mohammad, has been arrested.
According to Abubakar, the arrest was carried out by operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining, led by ASP Aminu Aliyu, who acted on credible intelligence.
The statement reads in part: “On January 27, 2027, at approximately 4:15 p.m., operatives conducted a successful operation resulting in the apprehension of a 38-year-old suspect in connection with the unlawful possession of suspected explosive materials. The suspect was driving a Toyota Corolla with registration number KUJ 933 EJ. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 954 pieces of suspected explosives concealed in polyethene bags.”
Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosives were intended for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by bandits.
The suspect is currently in police custody, while the seized items have been handed over to the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safekeeping and further analysis. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source, intended destination, and potential accomplices linked to the explosives.
Abubakar added, “Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
This incident comes less than a week after a similar interception in Oyo State, where police stopped a truck carrying materials suspected to be explosive components in the Saki area of Oke-Ogun.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to prevent the proliferation of such dangerous materials and to disrupt bandit activities across the country.
