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From John Bassey, Gusau
The Zamfara State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its sustained efforts to protect lives and property across the state, following the successful foiling of a bandit attack in Zurmi and the prompt clearance of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Gusau, the state capital.
According to the statement, on 12 August 2026, at about 7:00 a.m., a report was received from a Good Samaritan at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Zurmi, that members of the community would embark on a tree-planting exercise at the Zurmi Muslims’ Praying Ground along Rukudawa Road.
In response, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) deployed a patrol team to provide security coverage for the exercise.
While the programme was ongoing at about 10:30 a.m., armed bandits reportedly took advantage of the situation and launched a surprise attack on the security personnel, firing sporadically.
The security personnel immediately took cover and responded decisively, engaging the attackers in a gun battle. The sustained response forced the bandits to retreat into a nearby forest.
Evidence at the scene, including significant traces of blood from the attackers’ position, indicated that some of the bandits might have sustained gunshot injuries. The bandits were believed to have withdrawn with the bodies of their dead colleagues.
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The attack was successfully repelled, with no casualties recorded among security personnel or civilians at the scene.
In a separate incident on the same date, 12 August 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., a suspected IED exploded along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The explosive device was suspected to have been planted by armed bandits along the route and subsequently detonated, causing panic among residents and road users.
Fortunately, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded as a result of the explosion.
Upon receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command promptly deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, escorted by personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to the scene.
The EOD team conducted a thorough sweep of the area and rendered the scene safe for commuters and other road users.
Meanwhile, joint security patrols have been sustained along the route and surrounding areas to deter further attacks, detect possible explosive threats and safeguard the movement of residents and commuters.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned objects or any other security concerns to the nearest police formation.
