THE Zamfara State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle conveying 954 explosive materials suspected to have been destined for bandits operating in parts of the state, marking a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal logistics networks.
News Point Nigeria reports that the interception was confirmed on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Yazid Abubakar, who disclosed that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Mustapha Mohammad, had been arrested.
According to Abubakar, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining, acting on credible and actionable intelligence regarding the movement of suspected explosive materials within the state.
“In furtherance of efforts to combat criminal activities, especially banditry and illegal mining, operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining led by ASP Aminu Aliyu conducted a successful intelligence-driven operation,” the statement said.
Abubakar explained that the operation took place on January 27, 2027, at about 4:15 p.m., when the task force intercepted a Toyota Corolla vehicle with registration number KUJ 933 EJ.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 954 pieces of suspected explosives, which were concealed in polyethylene bags to evade detection.
The suspect, a 38-year-old male, was immediately taken into custody, while the recovered materials were secured by the police.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the explosives were intended for use by bandits, likely for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) commonly deployed in attacks on security personnel, communities, and critical infrastructure.
“The recovered items are suspected to be explosive materials meant for criminal elements, particularly bandits, for the production of improvised explosive devices,” Abubakar stated.
He added that the exhibits have since been handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for proper handling, analysis, and safe storage.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that investigations were ongoing to trace the source of the explosives, determine their intended destination, and uncover the identities of any accomplices or criminal networks linked to the consignment.
“The suspect remains in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the operation, including the source and intended recipients of the explosives. Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” he said.
The Zamfara interception comes less than a week after a similar security operation in Oyo State, where police operatives intercepted a truck conveying materials suspected to be components for explosive devices in the Saki area of Oke-Ogun.
The police have reiterated their commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations to cut off supply routes for bandits and other criminal groups, particularly in states grappling with insecurity linked to illegal mining and armed violence.