Two suspected bandits were reportedly killed during the testing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a camp allegedly operated by the notorious extremist leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State.
The incident was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday.
According to Makama, the explosion occurred at a terrorist camp located in Barikin Daji Village and Dan Bagudu Hills, both in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

The mishap reportedly triggered panic among residents of nearby communities, including Garin Gwale Village, forcing many to flee their homes out of fear of further attacks.
Makama revealed that the IED explosion occurred during a high-risk testing exercise conducted by the bandits under the supervision of one of Turji’s key lieutenants, identified as Dogo Auta.
He further noted that credible intelligence reports indicated the extremist group recently received a consignment of weapons, ammunition, and IED-making materials transported via camels to the camp.
The materials were allegedly intended to facilitate a series of planned attacks in the area under Turji’s directives.
Makama added, “Extremist groups in the northwest are increasingly adopting IEDs to target military bases, patrol teams, and civilian areas.”
He also warned that the proliferation of explosives, particularly from illegal mining activities in the region, poses a significant security threat, potentially escalating violence in the area.
The incident underscores the growing use of sophisticated weaponry by extremist groups in northwest Nigeria, raising concerns about their evolving tactics and the need for heightened security measures.
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