Zamfara guards nab driver with 98 explosives

Members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards have arrested a commercial driver conveying 98 explosive devices, N13m, and three motorcycles allegedly en route to a bandits’ camp in Bindin village, Maru Local Government Area of the state.

Other items recovered from the suspect included cartons of cigarettes, suspected Indian hemp, and crates of apples.

Addressing journalists in Gusau on Wednesday, the Commandant of the outfit, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, said the suspect, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, was intercepted along the Gusau–Dansadau Road while heading to Bindin village, an area he said is largely occupied by bandits.

According to him, the driver was travelling in a Golf vehicle when operatives stopped and searched it.

“After thorough investigation, 98 explosive devices, N13m in cash, three brand new motorcycles packaged in their boxes, and some substances suspected to be Indian hemp were discovered in the vehicle,” he said.

Shehu added that the suspect confessed that he was delivering the items to illegal miners in the area.

“The driver, Abubakar Abdullahi, confessed that he was going to Bindin village to deliver the said items to illegal miners, who, as everyone knows, are either bandits or their accomplices,” he said.

He further alleged that the explosives were commonly used by bandits in attacks on security operatives.

“The explosive devices are what the bandits use to attack security agents on the road, as has been happening in the state on several occasions,” he added.

The commandant said the suspect would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, noting that eight other persons had been arrested for questioning in connection with the case.

He also alleged that bandits in the area engage locals in illegal mining and rely on commercial drivers to supply them with items.

When questioned, the suspect said an unnamed individual gave him the items to deliver to illegal miners in Bindin village, but did not disclose the identity of the person.

This comes just a few days after the Nigerian Army announced that troops intercepted medical supplies meant for terrorists, including antibiotics, injections, bandages, and other medical items.

The report stated that the driver and three occupants were apprehended and that the suspect later confessed that the consignment was bound for the Republic of Chad via Geidam.