June 16, (THEWILL) — Three police officers attached to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force were killed on Monday evening after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded on the Anka-Bagega highway in Zamfara State while they were responding to a bomb alert.
The Zamfara State Police Command said the officers died in active service as they attempted to defuse the explosive device suspected to have been planted by armed bandits terrorising communities in the area.
Police authorities identified the deceased officers as CSP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, the Officer-in-Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit in Gusau, Inspector Auwal Ahmad, and Inspector Murtala Musa.
According to the Command, the officers were deployed following actionable intelligence indicating that suspected bandits had planted an explosive device along the Anka-Bagega road, a route that has in recent months become notorious for repeated attacks linked to growing bandit activities in the state.
The Command disclosed that the explosive device detonated unexpectedly while the officers were carrying out efforts to neutralise the threat, killing the three operatives instantly in what authorities described as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force.
Confirming the incident in an official statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, described the deaths of the officers as a moment of profound sorrow for the Force and the country.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic loss of our gallant officers: CSP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, Insp. Auwal Ahmad, and Insp. Murtala Musa, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting our nation,” the statement read.
The Police Command commended the fallen officers for their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty, noting that they died while carrying out the dangerous but critical responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring public safety.
It stated that their sacrifice reflected extraordinary patriotism and a strong commitment to national service, particularly at a time when security personnel continue to face evolving threats from criminal groups operating across several parts of the country.
“The pain of losing such committed officers is immeasurable, and their absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of serving alongside them.
“Their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice remind us of the risks undertaken daily by security personnel in the pursuit of peace and security for all,” the statement added.
The command extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers, their loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Nigeria Police Force, while assuring residents that ongoing operations against banditry and violent crime in the state would continue without interruption.
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