Police operatives in Zamfara State have successfully destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by bandits along a major route. The discovery was made on the Kunchin Kalgo axis of Tsafe Local Government Area, following intelligence provided by local residents.
Police Statement on the Operation
In a statement released on Saturday, the police public relations officer, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed that the device was unearthed at about 4:15 p.m. by operatives of the Command's Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working in collaboration with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit. The swift action prevented what could have resulted in mass casualties.
“Operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, successfully unearthed and safely destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), suspected to have been planted by bandits along the Kunchin Kalgo axis of Tsafe Local Government Area,” the statement read.
Community Policing Strategy Praised
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the device was strategically placed to target innocent road users and commuters. The command attributed the successful operation to its community policing strategy and the timely intelligence supplied by residents, describing public cooperation as critical to ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the state.
“Through the Command’s robust community engagement strategy, effective partnerships, and sustained networking with local community members, timely and credible information was received, enabling the operatives to respond swiftly and neutralise the threat before any harm could occur,” Mr Abubakar said.
Police Urge Continued Vigilance
The police command commended residents for their vigilance and urged them to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, assuring the public that such intelligence would be treated with confidentiality. It also announced that convoy patrols had been deployed across parts of the state to enhance the safety of residents and travellers and deter further attacks.
The Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to identifying, apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for planting the explosive device. He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity.
