Residents of a quiet community in Niger State were thrown into panic this week after the shocking discovery of unexploded explosive devices planted near their village.
Farmers Stumble Upon Dangerous Discovery
On Monday, 5th January 2026, farmers from Ganaru village in the Zugurma district of Mashegu Local Government Area made a terrifying find. As they headed to their farms, they spotted suspicious objects planted by the roadside in a nearby bush, just a few metres from the village. The objects were identified as bomb explosives, prompting the alarmed farmers to immediately raise the alarm.
Swift Official Response and Conflicting Details
The Chairman of Mashegu local council, Mr Jibrin Egade, swiftly confirmed the incident. He expressed profound shock that such dangerous devices were found in an area not known for significant security challenges. Egade stated that the immediate area had been cordoned off to protect people from a potential explosion that could cause casualties. He also confirmed that relevant security agencies had been informed.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, also confirmed the development. However, he provided a slight discrepancy in the account, arguing that the command's information indicated the discovery of one explosive device, not three as reported by the villagers. CP Elleman announced that the police command had deployed bomb disposal experts to the scene. Their mission is to ascertain the nature of the device and carry out a controlled detonation professionally.
Despite the scare, the Police Commissioner advised residents to go about their legitimate businesses without fear, assuring them of the experts' capability to handle the situation.
Community Leaders Applaud Government Action
Speaking to the press, a traditional titleholder in the area, Dalatun Zugurma, Alhaji Kudu Mohammad, corroborated the discovery. He confirmed that relevant security agencies had stepped in to maintain law and order following the incident.
Alhaji Mohammad applauded the government at all levels for their swift response to the potentially catastrophic find. He urged the authorities to maintain this tempo in their efforts to protect the lives and property of citizens.
This alarming discovery in Mashegu comes barely two days after a horrific terrorist attack in the Borgu local council of the same Niger State, where over 30 people were brutally slaughtered at the Kasuwa Daji market. The back-to-back incidents have heightened concerns about security in parts of the state.
