NPF, Zamfara Mourns Three Police Officers Killed by IED During Security Patrol

The Nigeria Police Force and the Zamfara State Government are mourning the deaths of three officers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit who were killed during an anti-bandit operation after their Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by bandits in Anka Local Government Area.

The officers were killed on Monday along the Anka–Bagega road while carrying out a security operation aimed at detecting and neutralising explosives planted by armed groups operating in the area.

The deceased officers were identified as the Officer Commanding EOD, Superintendent of Police Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, Inspector Auwal Ahmad and Inspector Murtala Musa.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the officers were on patrol along the Anka–Bagega axis when their vehicle ran over a buried explosive device.

“The officers were trained EOD experts attached to the Zamfara State Police Command. Following the explosion, armed bandits reportedly emerged from nearby forests, set the damaged APC ablaze and fled,” he said.

Security sources said the officers had earlier succeeded in locating and safely detonating several explosives planted by bandits along the route before tragedy struck.

According to one source, the EOD team had received intelligence that multiple IEDs had been planted along the road.

“The squad successfully neutralised several explosive devices, but another one detonated when their APC passed over it. The blast destroyed the vehicle and killed the officers, including their commander,” the source said.

A relative of the late EOD commander described the incident as a painful loss, saying the officers died while working to protect communities from persistent bandit attacks.

“He sacrificed his life in the fight against banditry to ensure peace and security in the state. He and his team had worked tirelessly to clear the road of explosives before the tragedy occurred,” the relative said.

The fallen officers were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites during funeral prayers held at the Zamfara State Police Command Headquarters in Gusau.

The funeral was attended by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, senior security officials, commissioners, local government chairmen, family members and other mourners.

Representing Governor Dauda Lawal, Mr Nakwada conveyed the condolences of the state government and the people of Zamfara to the Nigeria Police Force and the bereaved families.

He prayed for the repose of the officers' souls and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the families they left behind.

“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. The government remains committed to supporting their families and strengthening collaboration with security agencies in the fight against banditry,” he said.

Mr Nakwada added that the tragic loss would not weaken the state's resolve to tackle insecurity.

“This tragic incident will not make us relent; it only emboldens us. We will intensify our efforts, and victory is assured, Insha Allah,” he stated.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the Zamfara State Police Command Headquarters, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu described the slain officers as heroes who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.

He vowed that security forces would intensify operations against bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

“The fight against criminal elements will be sustained with greater force. There will be no safe haven for them,” the IGP said.

He also commended the collaboration among security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the police, noting that intelligence sharing and joint operations remain vital to addressing insecurity.

The IGP urged security personnel to remain resolute despite operational challenges and assured them of continued support through improved welfare, logistics and modern equipment.

The IGP also praised Governor Dauda Lawal for supporting security operations in Zamfara through the provision of operational vehicles, equipment, logistics and office facilities.

The deaths of the three officers underscore the growing dangers faced by security personnel battling banditry and terrorism in north-west Nigeria, where criminal groups have increasingly resorted to the use of improvised explosive devices to target security forces and civilians.