Zamfara police arrest Mustapha Mohammad with 954 suspected explosives, believed to be intended for use as improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old man, Mustapha Mohammad, for the unlawful possession of suspected explosive materials, the Command confirmed on Wednesday.

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The arrest was carried out by the State Police Task Force on Illegal Mining following actionable intelligence.

Mohammad was intercepted while driving a Toyota Corolla, and a search of his vehicle led to the recovery of 954 suspected explosive items concealed in polyethylene bags.

DSP Yazid Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zamfara State, said, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered materials were suspected to have been intended for use by bandits as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).”

The recovered items have been secured and handed over to the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit for proper analysis and safe keeping.

Mohammad is currently in police custody as investigations continue to determine the source, intended destination, and potential accomplices connected to the materials.

“The suspect is currently in police custody, while the exhibits have been formally handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for safe custody and detailed analysis,” DSP Abubakar said.

He added that authorities are working to trace other individuals who may be linked to the crime, promising updates as the investigation progresses.

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The arrest comes shortly after the Oyo State Police Command intercepted a truck carrying suspected explosive devices during a stop-and-search operation in Saki on January 25, 2026, highlighting ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to curb the use of explosives in criminal activities.