In continuation of its sustained efforts at protecting lives and property in the state, the Zamfara State Police Command has recorded another operational success with 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.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar in a statement made available to journalists in Gusau, the state capital.
The statement said on August 12, 2026 at about 7:00am, 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 cover for the exercise.
It was learnt that at about 10:30 a.m, while the program was ongoing, the armed bandits took advantage of the situation, and launched a surprise attack on the security personnel, sporadically firing.
Security personnel immediately took cover and responded decisively engaging the attackers in a gun battle. The continued response drove the bandits back into a forest nearby.
Investigators at the scene found evidence, including large amounts of blood, from where the attackers had been, suggesting that some of the bandits may have been shot. The bandits were thot to have retreated with the bodies of their dead compatriots.
The attack was successfully repelled, and there were no casualties among the security personnel or civilians at the scene.
On the same date, 12 August, 2026, about 9:30 a.m., a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded along the Gurusu-Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
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The explosive device was suspected to have been planted by armed bandits along the route and later detonated, causing panic among residents and road users.
Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries caused by the blast.
Upon receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command immediately deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, accompanied by personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to the scene.
The EOD team swept the area and made the scene safe for commuters and other road users.
Meanwhile, joint security patrols are ongoing along the route and adjacent areas to prevent additional attacks, identify potential explosive threats and secure the movement of residents and commuters.
The command appealed to members of the public to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements, abandoned objects or any other security concerns to the nearest police formation.
