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 bandits’ attack in Zurmi and the prompt clearance of a suspected landmine/IED along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Yazid Abubakar issued to newsmen.
On 12th August 2026, at about 0700 hours, a report was received from a Good Samaritan at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Zurmi, that some 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 1030 hours, armed bandits 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 counter-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 may have sustained gunshot injuries. The bandits were believed to have withdrawn with the bodies of their dead colleagues.
The attack was successfully repelled, with no casualty recorded among the security personnel or civilians at the scene.
In a separate incident on the same date, 12th August 2026, at about 0930 hours, a suspected landmine/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 other road users.
Fortunately, no life was lost and no injury was 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 Violence 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 urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned objects or any other security concerns to the nearest police formation.