Military intercepts 98 IEDs, cash in foiled supply run to bandit camps in Zamfara

A major security breach was averted in Zamfara State following the interception of a large consignment of explosives and logistics allegedly bound for bandit enclaves, in what officials describe as one of the most significant disruptions of armed groups’ supply chains in recent months.

The operation, carried out on April 15, 2026, at Bindin village in Maru Local Government Area, was led by operatives of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG), also known as Askarawa, with support from the Nigerian Army.

Security sources disclosed that the team intercepted a vehicle conveying 98 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), believed to be dynamite, alongside ₦13,352,500 in cash and materials suspected to be intended for coordinated attacks.

Other items recovered from the suspects include 25 coil detonators, three brand-new motorcycles, diesel supplies, and digging equipment—an indication, authorities say, of planned large-scale operations in remote locations.

Seven suspects, including the driver of the vehicle, were arrested at the scene. Preliminary intelligence reports suggest the explosives and logistics were being transported to known bandit strongholds within the state.

Officials say the successful interception underscores growing coordination between local security outfits and conventional forces, particularly in intelligence gathering and rapid response.

The Zamfara Community Protection Guards, established in early 2024 by the state government, were designed to complement federal security agencies in tackling persistent banditry and rural insecurity. Their involvement in the latest operation has drawn commendation from residents and security stakeholders.

Security analysts note that disrupting logistics routes remains a critical strategy in weakening armed groups, as access to explosives and mobility tools often determines the scale and frequency of attacks.

Authorities believe the seizure may have prevented multiple coordinated assaults, potentially saving lives and property across vulnerable communities in Zamfara and neighboring areas.

While investigations are ongoing, security agencies have reiterated their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and dismantling supply chains fueling violence in the North-West.