In a major security operation, the Niger State Police Command has reported the discovery of a substantial stockpile of explosive devices, including powerful bombs and improvised explosive devices, buried at multiple sites across the state. The explosives were reportedly hidden in strategic locations, posing a significant threat to public safety and national security in the region
The Niger State Police Command is conducting an intensive investigation to determine the sources of the explosive devices, which are believed to have been concealed by nefarious actors such as terrorists and bandits who have terrorized several local governments in the state.
The search operation by the Niger State Police Command yielded the explosive devices in various strategic areas, including the communities of Galadima-Kogo in Shiroro Local Government Area, Mutun-Daya in Munya Local Government, and the Gbeganu Area of Minna.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, reported that the explosive devices were uncovered as part of counter-insurgency operations carried out by the police and other security agencies in the state from 2021 to 2023.
On August 22, 2024, a specialized team, led by the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit of the Niger State Police Command, conducted a controlled detonation of the explosive devices behind Zuma Rock in Suleja, under the watchful eye of Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammed Mamun.
The statement read, “In furtherance to the efforts of the Niger State Police Command to ensure a more safe and secure environment in the State, the Commissioner of Police CP Shawulu Danmamman, directs for the destruction of improvised explosive device/bombs recovered from different locations during multiple counter-insurgency operations with other security agencies in the State between the period of the year 2021 to 2023.
“The items include; -Four pipe-borne IEDs buried in the ground recovered at Galadima-Kogo, Shiroro LGA on 27th September 2021.
“Explosives concealed in empty shells of suspected military missiles and a 5kg cooking gas cylinder recovered at Mutun-Daya, Shiroro LGA on 11th February 2022 -Explosives concealed in a ten-litre jerrican, three pieces of suspected military hand grenades and a bow-shaped improvised material recovered at Gbeganu area of Minna on 24th October 2023.
“The successful destruction took place on 22nd August 2024 at a location behind Zuma Rock, Suleja led by the Officer in Charge of the EOD-CBRN (Explosive Ordinance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Unit of the Command, SP Mohammed Mamun.”
In his statement, Wasiu Abiodun also noted that the discovery of these explosive devices follows closely on the heels of a brutal assault by suspected bandits that claimed the lives of at least 13 farmers in Niger State just a week prior
The discovery of these explosives in Galadima-Kogo brings to mind the tragic events of 2022 when an improvised explosive device detonated, claiming the lives of several officers from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stationed in the same community.
