The Zamfara State Police Command, in furtherance of its sustained efforts at protecting lives and property in the state, 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.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar made this known 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) dispatched a patrol team to offer 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, firing sporadically.
Security personnel quickly took cover and responded decisively engaging the attackers in a gun battle. The bandits were driven back into a nearby forest by the continued response.
Investigators found evidence at the scene, including large amounts of blood from where the attackers had been, suggesting that some of the bandits may have been shot. It was believed that the bandits had retired with the corpses of their dead comrades.
The assault was successfully repelled with no casualties among the security personnel or civilians present at the location.
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 on the route and later detonated, causing panic among residents and road users.
Luckily, no one was killed or injured in the blast.
On receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command immediately dispatched its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, along with personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to the scene.
The EOD team did a thorough sweep of the area and made the scene safe for commuters and other road users.
Meanwhile joint security patrols continue along the route and in the surrounding areas to prevent further attacks, identify potential explosive threats and secure the movement of residents and commuters.
The command called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movements, abandoned objects or any other security concerns to the nearest police formation.