Three Policemen Killed In Zamfara IED Explosion

Three police officers have been killed after an improvised explosive device exploded during a clearance operation along the Anka–Bagega Road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident occurred at about 5:05 p.m. on June 15, according to security sources cited by the counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.

The officers were part of a team led by the Officer in Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, who had been deployed to neutralise a suspected explosive device allegedly planted by bandits in the area.

According to the report, the team, which also included operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, was conducting a controlled clearance exercise when the tragedy occurred.

“The team, which included personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), was reportedly conducting a controlled clearance operation using an armoured personnel carrier when the vehicle accidentally triggered the explosive device,” Makama said.

The explosion reportedly killed three officers on the spot.

“The explosion resulted in the immediate death of SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, Inspector Murtala Musa of the VCRU, and Inspector Auwal Ahmad attached to the EOD unit,” the report added.

The remains of the deceased officers were subsequently evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.

“Their bodies were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, for post-mortem examination,” the report stated.

Sources said the bodies have since been deposited in the hospital’s morgue while authorities continue investigations into the incident.