The Zamfara State Police Command has foiled an attack by armed bandits on security personnel in Zurmi and rendered safe a suspected landmine or improvised explosive device (IED) discovered along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The two incidents occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, according to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
The Command said police received information at about 7am from a Good Samaritan that members of the community would be conducting a tree-planting exercise at the Zurmi Muslims’ Praying Ground along Rukudawa Road.
The Divisional Police Officer in Zurmi subsequently deployed a patrol team to provide security during the exercise.
However, at about 10:30am, armed bandits allegedly launched a surprise attack on the security personnel, firing sporadically at them.
The security personnel took cover and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing the bandits to retreat into a nearby forest.
According to the police, significant traces of blood found at the attackers’ position suggested that some of the bandits may have sustained gunshot wounds.
“The bandits were believed to have withdrawn with the bodies of their dead colleagues,” the statement said.
The Command confirmed that no civilian or security personnel was killed in the attack.
In a separate incident, a suspected landmine or IED exploded at about 9:30am along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum LGA.
The police said the device was suspected to have been planted by armed bandits before it detonated, causing panic among residents and road users.
Fortunately, no person was killed or injured in the explosion.
Following the incident, the police deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, escorted by personnel of the Violence Crime Response Unit, to the location.
The EOD team conducted a thorough sweep of the area and rendered the scene safe for commuters and other road users.
The Command said joint security patrols had been sustained along the affected route and surrounding areas to prevent further attacks, detect possible explosive devices and protect residents.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned objects and other security concerns to the nearest police formation.
The Command also assured residents that security personnel would continue taking proactive measures to safeguard lives and property across the state.
