Two individuals suspected to be bandits were reportedly killed during an attempt to test Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a camp allegedly linked to the notorious extremist leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State. The incident occurred in the Barikin Daji Village and Dan Bagudu Hills, both situated within the Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.
The explosion, which was caused by a malfunctioning IED, took place during a high-risk testing operation conducted by the bandits under the supervision of Dogo Auta, a prominent lieutenant of Turji. According to reports, the extremist group had recently received a large shipment of weapons, ammunition, and materials for producing IEDs. These supplies were reportedly transported to the camp via camels, with the aim of enhancing the group’s capacity to launch more attacks across the region, as per Turji’s directives.
The blast caused widespread panic among local residents, particularly in nearby communities such as Garin Gwale Village. Fearing further attacks, many people fled their homes, seeking safety in nearby areas. The explosion also heightened concerns about the growing use of IEDs by extremist factions in the northwest. Sources suggest that these groups have increasingly turned to explosives to target military installations, security patrols, and civilians.
Zagazola Makama, a renowned security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, shared insights on the situation, revealing that the extremist factions are utilizing IEDs as a key strategy in their operations. He also warned that the proliferation of explosives, partly due to illegal mining activities in the area, could worsen the security situation and lead to more deadly attacks.
In light of the increasing threats, security forces have been urged to stay vigilant and maintain high levels of preparedness for potential future attacks. Experts caution that the situation remains fluid, with extremist groups continuing to evolve their tactics and posing a significant threat to the safety of both military personnel and civilians in the region.
