A routine clearance operation in Zamfara State turned tragic on Monday after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated along the Anka–Bagega Road in Anka Local Government Area, killing three police officers instantly.
Naija News reports that the incident occurred around 5:05 p.m. on June 15 during a coordinated security operation aimed at clearing suspected explosives allegedly planted by armed bandits operating in the area.
According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the team had been deployed to neutralise explosive threats and make the road safe for commuters and nearby communities.
Operation Led by EOD Commander Turns Fatal
The operation was led by the Officer in Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Superintendent of Police (SP) Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, alongside personnel from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The team was reportedly moving cautiously through the area using an armoured personnel carrier when the vehicle unknowingly triggered a hidden explosive device.
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In an instant, what was meant to be a controlled clearance exercise turned into a deadly blast.
Three Officers Die Instantly
The explosion claimed the lives of three officers on the spot, including SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, Inspector Murtala Musa of the VCRU, and Inspector Auwal Ahmad of the EOD unit.
Security sources described the impact as devastating, with no opportunity for immediate medical intervention.
Bodies Evacuated to Gusau
Following the explosion, reinforcement teams were deployed to secure the area and evacuate the remains of the fallen officers.
Their bodies were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, where they were deposited at the morgue for post-mortem examination.
Authorities have since launched further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blast, as security agencies intensify efforts to clear the region of unexploded devices and restore safe movement along the route.
Rising Threat in the Region
The incident highlights the growing danger faced by security operatives in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West, where armed groups increasingly use improvised explosive devices to target both civilians and security forces.
Despite ongoing military operations, authorities say clearance missions remain essential but highly risky, especially in areas heavily affected by bandit activity.
Investigations into the latest explosion are ongoing.