Police Foil Bandits’ Attack In Zamfara, Defuse Suspected IED

The Zamfara State Police Command has foiled an attack by armed bandits on security personnel in Zurmi and rendered safe a suspected landmine/IED discovered along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command said the two incidents occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

According to the statement, police received a report at about 7am from a Good Samaritan that members of the community would be conducting a tree-planting exercise at the Zurmi Muslims’ Praying Ground along Rukudawa Road.

The Divisional Police Officer in Zurmi subsequently deployed a patrol team to provide security during the exercise.

However, at about 10:30am, armed bandits allegedly launched a surprise attack on the security personnel, firing sporadically at them.

The security personnel took cover and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing the bandits to retreat into a nearby forest.

The Command said evidence found at the scene, including significant traces of blood from the attackers’ position, suggested that some of the bandits may have sustained gunshot wounds.

“The bandits were believed to have withdrawn with the bodies of their dead colleagues,” the statement said.

The Command said no civilian or security personnel was killed in the attack.

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In a separate incident, a suspected landmine or improvised explosive device exploded at about 9:30am along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum LGA.

According to the police, the device was suspected to have been planted by armed bandits along the route before it detonated, causing panic among residents and road users.

“Fortunately, no life was lost and no injury was recorded as a result of the explosion,” the Command said.

Following the report, the police deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, escorted by personnel of the Violence Crime Response Unit, to the location.

The EOD team conducted a thorough sweep of the area and “rendered the scene safe for commuters and other road users,” the statement added.

The Command said joint security patrols had been sustained along the affected route and surrounding areas to deter further attacks, detect possible explosive devices and protect residents and commuters.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned objects and other security concerns to the nearest police formation.

The Command assured residents that security personnel would continue to take proactive measures to prevent attacks and safeguard lives and property across the state.