Zamfara IED Blast: Experts Warn Neglect of Fallen Police Officers’ Families Could Hurt Morale

More than seven weeks after three police bomb disposal experts were killed while clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by bandits in Zamfara State, concerns have emerged over the alleged lack of support for their families.

Colleagues of the fallen officers told PRNigeria that the families had not received any intervention from the Zamfara State Government, warning that neglect of personnel killed in frontline operations could weaken the morale of officers engaged in counter-insurgency operations across the North-West.

The officers, who served under the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) of the Nigeria Police Force, were killed on June 16, 2026, during a counter-IED operation along the Anka-Bagega Road in Anka Local Government Area.

The victims were identified as Superintendent of Police Abdulrazak Hassan, Commander of the VCRU and head of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team; Inspector Murtala Musa; and Inspector Auwal Ahmad.

Security sources said the team had successfully detected and neutralised several IEDs planted along the highway before their Armoured Personnel Carrier struck another concealed explosive device.

The blast destroyed the vehicle, after which armed bandits reportedly emerged from nearby hideouts and engaged the surviving personnel in a gun battle before setting the damaged APC ablaze and fleeing into the forest.

The incident prompted the Inspector-General of Police to travel to Gusau, where he attended the funeral prayers for the officers and condoled with their families.

The IGP described the deceased as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the country and pledged intensified operations against banditry and terrorism.

“There will be no safe haven for criminals,” he declared.

However, police officers currently involved in counter-insurgency operations said the national recognition given to the deceased had not been matched by adequate support for their families at the state level.

One operative, who spoke anonymously, appealed to Governor Dauda Lawal to intervene.

According to the officer, the deceased left behind young families with significant responsibilities. Hassan was survived by his wife and four children, while Musa and Ahmad each left behind two wives and five children.

The officers described the deceased as highly experienced EOD specialists who regularly risked their lives detecting and destroying explosives planted on roads used by civilians.

They warned that failure to support the families of fallen personnel could create anxiety among serving officers who are exposed to similar dangers.

Members of the VCRU continue to participate in operations involving the dismantling of terrorist networks, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of rustled cattle and interception of illegal arms across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

The officers urged the Zamfara Government to introduce welfare packages or relief programmes for families of security personnel killed in the line of duty, arguing that such measures would boost morale and improve operational effectiveness.

Zamfara Government Yet to Respond

PRNigeria said it contacted the Zamfara State Government through the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, seeking clarification on whether any support had been provided to the families.

As of the time of filing the report, Idris had not responded to the message sent to him and did not answer a subsequent telephone call.