Two individuals suspected to be bandits were reportedly killed during an attempt to test Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a camp allegedly established by the infamous extremist leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State.
It was gathered that the incident took place in Barikin Daji Village and Dan Bagudu Hills, both situated within the Talata Mafara Local Government Area.
Naija News learnt that the explosion occurred due to an IED malfunction during a high-risk testing operation conducted by the bandits, overseen by a prominent lieutenant of Turji known as Dogo Auta.
In a release on Friday morning, renowned Security Analyst and Counter Insurgency Expert in Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, quoted sources to have indicated that the extremist group had recently received a shipment of weapons, ammunition, and materials for IED production, which were transported to the camp via camels.
These materials were allegedly intended to facilitate an increase in attacks in the region as per Turji’s directives.
The explosion instigated panic among residents of nearby communities, including Garin Gwale Village, prompting many to evacuate their homes out of fear of subsequent assaults.
Sources suggest that extremist factions in the northwest are increasingly utilizing IEDs to target military installations, patrol units, and civilian populations.
Zagazola cautions that the prevalence of explosives resulting from illegal mining activities in the area could further worsen the situation, leading to escalated security threats.
Security forces have been urged to maintain vigilance and remain on high alert for potential attacks in the forthcoming days.