Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ZAMFARA, Nigeria – An explosion suspected to be from an improvised explosive device (IED) damages a cement-laden trailer on the Gusau–Funtua highway in Zamfara State, disrupting traffic but leaving no fatalities.
The blast occurs early Wednesday at Unguwar Mai Chida as the trailer travels from Sokoto to Kaduna. The front section of the truck sustains severe damage, while the driver, Dauda Adamu, survives and is pulled from the wreckage by passers-by.
Security sources say armed groups operating in the area may have planted the device, amid intensified security operations across parts of Zamfara.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, says joint tactical teams, including explosive ordnance disposal units, previously discovered and safely detonated several IEDs along the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta corridor.
“Our operatives came under attack during the clearance operation but successfully repelled the assailants and restored access,” Maikaba says.
He adds that without the intervention, surrounding communities’ risk prolonged shortages of food and essential supplies due to blocked roads.
Residents say the explosion happens hours after security forces reopen the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta road, closed for over a month because of explosives. Eyewitnesses describe a deafening blast that sends motorists fleeing until security teams secure the area.
Authorities urge road users to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects along major highways as operations continue to stabilise affected communities.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
