Security operatives have successfully defused an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo axis in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation was executed by a joint team comprising the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD–CBRN) Unit, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Military EOD, with reinforced security support from the Zamfara State Police Command.
In a statement released on Saturday, the police command’s spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, said the operation was carried out on Friday under the leadership of SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan.
He explained that the team employed standard Render Safe Procedures (RSP) to carefully and professionally neutralise a pressure-plate IED discovered at the scene.
“The explosive components were recovered and secured for further forensic examination,” Abubakar said.
He added that after an extensive sweep and technical evaluation of the area, the route was declared safe and free from any further IED threats, restoring confidence and safety for commuters and residents.
Abubakar urged members of the public to remain alert and continue to share timely and credible information with security agencies to aid ongoing security operations across the state.
Zamfara remains one of the states grappling with persistent banditry, despite the continued presence of security forces. Over the years, non-state armed groups have intensified attacks across rural communities in northwest and central Nigeria, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread kidnappings for ransom.
These criminal gangs are known to operate from camps located in vast forests spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger states, from where they coordinate attacks.
According to a recent SBM Intelligence report, between July last year and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were abducted in 997 incidents, while no fewer than 762 were killed. The report noted that although kidnappers demanded about ₦48 billion, they received only ₦2.57 billion (approximately $1.66 million).
During that period, “Nigeria’s kidnap-for-ransom crisis consolidated into a structured, profit-seeking industry,” the Lagos-based security advisory firm said.
Last November, US President Donald Trump also threatened Nigeria with possible military action over allegations of large-scale killings of Christians by radical Islamists.