Tears as Bomb Explosion Rocks Zamfara, Deaths Recorded
- Three police officers killed by IED in Zamfara during routine patrol, confirming escalating security crisis
- Terrorists ambushed and burned police vehicle post-explosion, showcasing north Nigeria's violent armed group conflicts
- Gunmen attack National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, raising concerns over ongoing security instability
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering security matters and counter-insurgency in Nigeria and Africa.
Gusau, Zamfara state - Three police officers tragically lost their lives on Monday, June 15, after their vehicle struck an explosive device planted by terrorists in Zamfara state.
As noted by Premium Times, Mugira Yusuf, a media aide to Governor Dauda Lawal, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday, June 16.
Source: Facebook
Africa Independent Television (AIT) also reported the unfortunate development.
According to the statement, the officers were conducting a routine patrol targeting armed groups along the Anka–Bagega axis when the tragedy occurred.
One of the police unit’s armoured personnel carriers (APCs) ran over the improvised explosive device (IED) buried by the terrorists.
Yusuf identified the deceased officers as Abdulrazak Hassan, superintendent of police, Murtala Musa, an inspector and Auwal Ahmad, also an inspector.
The official said all three deceased officers were trained explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts attached to the Zamfara State Police Command.
Following the explosion, he said terrorists reportedly emerged from the surrounding forest and set the damaged armoured vehicle ablaze before retreating into the bush.
Armed groups escalate northern violence
The latest attack in Zamfara comes as Nigeria battles a complex security crisis involving different armed groups in the north of the country.
Terrorist groups have carried out several attacks against army bases across the north in 2026, killing a number of security operatives and seizing weapons.
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau state, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, June 16, that gunmen attacked the institute on Monday, June 15.
The attack occurred late Monday night, June 15, and resulted in a gun battle between the assailants and security personnel stationed at the institute.
Source: Twitter
NIPSS is Nigeria’s foremost policy institute. Senior government officials, including those in the military, the police, and the public service, are required to undergo leadership courses at the institute.
In a statement signed by Osime Samuel, the head of public affairs department, the institute confirmed the tragedy.
Although the institute did not announce any casualties, a staff member told Premium Times that at least two people, including a police officer, were killed.
Read more on insecurity in Nigeria:
- US interference: Ex-military head of state breaks silence on what Donald Trump must do to Nigeria
- The Country of Particular Concern 'trap': What the US Senate got wrong about Nigeria’s crisis
- List of killed Imams and mosques attacked by bandits that led to significant loss of lives
Niger: Bandits kill 3, set house ablaze
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that armed bandits killed three people and burnt houses in Pissa village, Borgu local government area of Niger state.
The terrorists carried out the killings after attacking the village at about 9:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Source: Legit.ng
