Police neutralise two bandits, recover IED in Zamfara

Zamfara State Police Command has neutralised two suspected bandits and recovered explosive devices during separate security operations in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazoo Abubakar, said armed hoodlums invaded the Funture area of Rugar Buda Village via Nahuce District in Bungudu Emirate around 12:30 a.m., firing sporadically in an attempt to cause panic among residents.

He said operatives, alongside other security personnel stationed in Nahuce, swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.

According to him, two bandits were killed during the encounter, while others escaped into nearby forests with possible gunshot injuries.

He added that a vigilante member, identified as Kabiru Auwal, sustained a gunshot injury to his left hand and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The Command said patrol and confidence-building operations have been intensified in the affected communities to prevent further attacks and ensure residents’ safety.

In a related development, the Command disclosed that operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, in collaboration with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) team, discovered and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, along the Bilbis–Kuncin Kalgo Road.

According to DSP Abubakar, the pressure-plate IED, suspected to have been planted by terrorists, was detected at the Hayin Kagana–Kuncin Kalgo axis and safely dismantled without casualties.

He said the device was professionally evacuated and destroyed in line with standard safety procedures to prevent accidental detonation, rendering the area safe for public use.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured residents of continued efforts to sustain security across the state.