Operatives of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards have intercepted a commercial driver allegedly transporting 98 explosive devices and N13 million in cash to a suspected bandits’ stronghold in Maru Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, was arrested along the Gusau–Dansadau Road while reportedly heading towards Bindin village, an area security authorities describe as a hideout for armed groups.
Parading the suspect before journalists in Gusau on Wednesday, the Commandant of the outfit, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, said the arrest followed a routine stop-and-search operation on a Golf vehicle driven by the suspect.
Dalijan disclosed that a detailed search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the explosives, a large sum of cash, and three brand-new motorcycles concealed in cartons.
Other items recovered, according to him, included cartons of cigarettes, suspected cannabis, and crates of apples.
“The suspect was intercepted while on transit, and upon searching the vehicle, operatives uncovered 98 explosive devices, N13 million, and motorcycles still in their packaging,” the commandant said.
He added that preliminary interrogation indicated the items were being conveyed to illegal miners operating in the area, whom he alleged have links with bandit groups.
“The suspect claimed he was delivering the consignment to illegal miners in Bindin village.
However, intelligence suggests such groups often collaborate with bandits,” Dalijan stated.
He further warned that the type of explosives recovered had been used in previous attacks on security personnel across the state, raising fresh concerns over the supply chain sustaining criminal operations.
The commandant revealed that eight additional suspects had been taken in for questioning in connection with the case, while the driver would be handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Responding to questions, Abdullahi reportedly told investigators that he was contracted by an unidentified individual to deliver the items but failed to provide further details.
The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns in the North-West, following recent interceptions of logistics reportedly destined for criminal groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.