The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old man, Mustapha Mohammad, over the alleged unlawful possession of suspected explosive materials.
According to a statement issued by the command, the arrest was made on January 27, 2026, at about 4:15 p.m. by operatives of the Task Force on Illegal Mining, acting on credible intelligence.
The suspect was apprehended while driving a Toyota Corolla. A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of 954 pieces of suspected explosive materials concealed inside polyethylene bags.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the materials were intended for use by bandits as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), police said.
Mohammad is currently in police custody, while the recovered items have been secured and handed over to the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team for safe keeping and detailed analysis.
The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the source and destination of the explosives, as well as their intended use. Efforts are also underway to identify and arrest other suspects who may be linked to the crime.
The command assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, Gusau.