An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated early Wednesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway in Zamfara State, damaging a cement-laden trailer and disrupting traffic in the area.
Gatekeepers News reports that the explosion occurred near Unguwar Mai Chida village as the truck, travelling from Sokoto to Kaduna, passed through the highway. The blast severely damaged the front of the vehicle, but the driver survived and was rescued.
Local sources said the explosive was suspected to have been planted by terrorists operating in the area.
A resident, identified as Samaila, said the incident happened only hours after security forces reopened the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta road in Tsafe Local Government Area, which had been closed for over a month due to explosive threats.
He explained that police and military personnel had faced resistance during clearance operations, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
Samaila suggested the explosive that struck the trailer could have been part of devices originally planted to target security operatives.
Another eyewitness, Lawali, a commercial driver, said motorists helped rescue the injured driver, identified as Dauda Adamu, from the wreckage.
“Many drivers stopped and watched from afar until the Military and other security personnel arrived to secure and clear the road,” Lawali said, describing the blast as extremely loud and frightening.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar stating that officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit had been deployed to the scene.
The explosion comes days after a Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier struck another planted explosive device along the Keta–Danjibga road in Tsafe Local Government Area, underscoring ongoing security challenges in parts of the state.
Authorities are yet to announce arrests or identify those responsible for the latest attack.
