The Zamfara State Police Command has stopped a vehicle carrying 954 explosive materials suspected to be intended for bandits operating in the state.
This was disclosed by the state police command spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, on Wednesday, adding that the driver of the vehicle, Mustapha Mohammad, had been arrested.
Abubakar said operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining, acting on credible intelligence, carried out the operation.
The statement reads, “On January 27, 2026, at about 4:15 p.m., operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining, led by ASP Aminu Aliyu, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, conducted a successful operation which resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with the unlawful possession of suspected explosive materials.
“The suspect, a 38-year-old man, was arrested while 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 suggest the items were to be used by bandits for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.”
Abubakar said the suspect remains in custody, while the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit for safekeeping and further analysis.
He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the source, destination, and intended use of the explosives, as well as identify any accomplices.
“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” he said.
