Three police officers, including a senior bomb disposal commander, were killed Monday after an improvised explosive device detonated during a clearance operation in Zamfara State, authorities said, in one of the latest incidents underscoring worsening insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.
The explosion occurred along the Anka–Bagega Road in Anka Local Government Area at about 5:05 p.m., as a police team attempted to locate and neutralize a suspected landmine believed to have been planted by armed bandits operating in the region.
A roadside bomb explosion in Zamfara State has killed three Nigerian police officers during an operation targeting suspected explosives, while a separate security incident in Plateau State claimed additional lives, highlighting persistent threats to security forces.
What we know so far
According to an internal police situation report obtained by SaharaReporters, the team was conducting a sweep in a CSK armoured personnel carrier when the vehicle triggered the explosive device.
The blast killed Superintendent Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, the officer in charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, along with Inspector Murtala Musa of the Violence Crime Response Unit and Inspector Auwal Ahmad of the EOD unit.
Authorities said the remains of the officers are to be transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau for post mortem examinations.
The Anka–Bagega corridor has long been identified as a hotspot for armed bandit activity, with repeated reports of attacks and the use of improvised explosive devices targeting both civilians and security personnel.
In a separate development reported by Punch Nigeria, three security operatives were killed in an early morning attack at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State.
What authorities are saying
The police report indicated the operation was part of efforts to clear explosive threats from key access routes in Zamfara, an area heavily affected by banditry.
In Plateau State, police spokesperson Alfred Alabo confirmed the fatalities at the policy institute and said additional security forces had been deployed to stabilize the area.
Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah ordered increased patrols around the facility, with officials stating that calm has been restored and investigations are ongoing.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities while security agencies work to prevent further incidents.
Why this matters
The incidents reflect the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the northwest where armed groups increasingly deploy improvised explosive devices alongside traditional attacks such as kidnappings and raids.
The targeting of bomb disposal personnel highlights the evolving tactics used by armed groups, raising the risk level for security operations designed to counter them.
Meanwhile, the attack at a major policy institution in Plateau State signals that threats are not limited to remote areas but can extend to high profile national facilities.
Together, the events point to the strain on Nigeria’s security infrastructure as authorities confront multiple threats across different regions.
What happens next
Investigations into both incidents are underway, with security agencies expected to assess operational procedures and intelligence gaps that may have contributed to the attacks.
Authorities may also intensify clearance operations in Zamfara and reinforce protection at critical institutions nationwide.
Further updates are expected as officials release more details on the perpetrators and measures being taken to prevent similar incidents.
SaharaReporters/Punchng
