An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated early Wednesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway in Zamfara State, damaging a cement-laden trailer and disrupting traffic, authorities and local sources have confirmed.
The explosion occurred near Unguwar Mai Chida village as the truck, travelling from Sokoto to Kaduna, passed through the area.
The blast severely damaged the vehicle’s head section, but the driver survived and was rescued.
Suspected terrorist device
Residents believe the explosive was planted by terrorists.
A local source, Samaila, said the incident happened hours after a joint security team reopened the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta road in Tsafe, which had been closed for over a month due to explosives planted along the route.
He noted that security operatives encountered resistance during clearance operations, leading to hours of gunfire, and suggested the device that struck the truck may have been intended to target security personnel.
Driver rescued, traffic halted
An eyewitness and commercial driver, Lawali, said motorists helped rescue the injured driver, identified as Dauda Adamu, from the wreckage.
He described the explosion as extremely loud, causing panic among road users.
“Many drivers stopped and watched from afar until the military and other security personnel arrived to secure and clear the road,” he said.
Police response
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit were deployed to the scene.
He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the blast.
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns along major highways in northwest Nigeria, where explosive devices and armed groups continue to threaten road travel and commercial transport.
