Zamfara guards intercept 98 explosives and N13m en route to bandits’ camp

Members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards have arrested a commercial driver conveying 98 explosive devices, N13 million 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 apple fruits.

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 him.

“After thorough investigation, 98 explosive devices, N13 million cash, three brand new motorcycles packaged in their boxes and some weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were discovered in his vehicle,” he said.

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

“The driver confessed that he was going to Bindin village to deliver the said items to the illegal miners, which everybody knows that most of them are either bandits or their accomplices,” he said.

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

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 he was given the items by an unnamed individual to deliver to illegal miners in Bindin village, but did not disclose the identity of the person.