Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command’s Task Force on Illegal Mining have arrested a 38-year-old man and recovered 954 pieces of suspected explosive materials during an intelligence-led operation in the state.
The suspect, identified as Mustapha Mohammad, was apprehended on Tuesday, January 27, at about 4:15 p.m. while driving a Toyota Corolla, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command.
DSP Abubakar said a thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the suspected explosives, which were concealed in polyethene bags.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered materials were suspected to have been intended for use by bandits as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” he stated.
He added that the suspect is currently in police custody, while the exhibits have been secured and formally handed over to the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team for safe custody and detailed analysis.
The police spokesman noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the source and destination of the explosives, as well as their intended use. Efforts are also underway to identify and arrest other individuals who may be connected to the crime.
DSP Abubakar assured that the command would provide further updates as the investigations progress.
