The Niger State Police Command has discovered a large stockpile of explosive devices, including bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) buried in various locations across the state.
These explosive devices are hidden by terrorists and bandits responsible for violence in several Local Government Areas (LGAs) and they were found in locations such as Galadima-Kogo in Shiroro LGA, Mutun-Daya in Munya LGA, and the Gbeganu Area of Minna.
The Command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, stated on Tuesday, August 27, that the discovery was the result of counter-insurgency operations carried out between 2021 and 2023, as well as a collaborative effort between the police and other security agencies in the state.
Abiodun disclosed that the explosives were safely neutralized on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at a location behind Zuma Rock in Suleja. The operation was overseen by SP Mohammed Mamun, the Officer in Charge of the Command’s EOD-CBRN (Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Unit.
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.”
Abiodun also stated that this discovery occurred just a week after suspected bandits launched a brutal attack, killing at least 13 farmers in the state. It’s worth remembering that Galadima-Kogo in Shiroro LGA was the scene of a devastating bomb explosion in 2022, which tragically claimed the lives of officers from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Comments