Terror Expert Cites Adoption of IED’s in Zamfara State
By Steven Kefas and Segun Onibiyo
(Jos) A disturbing development that challenges Nigerian military claims of having the upper hand against terrorists has surfaced. Fulani terrorists in Zamfara State now deploy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), marking a dangerous shift in their tactical operations against terrorism.
Deadly Mishap Reveals New Threat
Two suspected bandits met their end during an IED testing exercise at a camp established by notorious extremist leader Bello Turji in Zamfara State’s Talata Mafara Local Government Area according to counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama. The incident, occurring at Barikin Daji Village and Dan Bagudu Hills, has exposed a concerning evolution in bandit operations.
The explosion resulted from an IED mishap during a high-risk testing exercise conducted under the supervision of Dogo Auta, a key lieutenant of Turji. “The explosion was so powerful that we heard it clearly in our community,” Muhammadu Aliyu, a resident of Barikin Daji, told TruthNigeria. “If they had successfully planted this device where they intended, the damage to our community would have been catastrophic.”
“Widespread implantation of IED’s against Coalition forces during the occupation of Iraq from 2003 to 2007 paralyzed transportation into and out of Baghdad,” according to TruthNigeria managing editor Douglas Burton, who served as a U.S. State Department official in Baghdad. “The constant threat of IED detonation caused all international compounds and forts across Iraq to shelter behind heavy concrete blast walls, granting the Al Qaeda insurgents a huge force multiplier,” Burton added.
“Adding to the threat in those years was the nearly endless supply of unused artillery shells left by the surrendered army of Saddam Hussein. Fortunately for the Nigerian security forces no parallel supply of explosive ordnance is easily accessed by today’s insurgents or criminal gangs,” Burton went on to say. “However, if the Nigerian army doesn’t quell the insurgency soon, the supply of explosives will be smuggled into Nigeria through its porous borders, and willing students will learn how to create IED’s,” Burton added.
Expert Warnings on Growing Sophistication
Dr. Walid Abdullahi, a prominent security analyst based in Birnin Kebbi, sees this development as a significant red flag. “The adoption of IEDs by terrorists represents a dangerous evolution in their operational capabilities,” he told TruthNigeria. “These groups traditionally relied on conventional weapons, but their shift to explosives indicates they are acquiring new skills and technologies, likely through collaboration with more established terrorist organizations. This strategic shift suggests they’re not just adapting but actively seeking ways to maximize civilian and military casualties.”
The Lakurawa Connection
The Police in Zamfara recently attributed one of December’s three explosions to Lakurawa, an emerging jihadist group. “Given Zamfara’s proximity to Sokoto and Kebbi, where Lakurawa has established operational bases, their involvement in these IED incidents is highly probable,” Dr. Abdullahi told TruthNigeria. “This geographical advantage allows them to easily extend their operations into Zamfara.”
Lakurawa has been steadily expanding its influence across the northwestern region, establishing strong footholds in Sokoto and Kebbi states. A senior security operative involved in counter-terrorism operations against the group, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed to TruthNigeria that their expansion is deliberate and systematic. “We’re seeing a pattern of methodical expansion. Lakurawa is strategically establishing cells in neighboring states, taking advantage of existing bandit networks and local grievances,” the operative disclosed.
Arsenal Expansion
According to Zagazola, Intelligence reports indicate that Turji’s camp recently received a significant consignment of weapons, ammunition, and IED-making materials, transported via camels. The materials were reportedly intended to facilitate increased attacks in the area as directed by Turji, marking a significant escalation in their operational capabilities.
The explosion caused panic among residents of nearby communities, including Garin Gwale Village, forcing many to flee their homes out of fear of further attacks. Sources indicate that extremist groups in the Northwest are increasingly adopting IEDs to target military bases, patrol teams, and civilian areas.
Regional Security Implications
“This development comes amid growing concerns about the interconnected nature of insurgency across the Sahel region. The availability of explosives from illegal mining activities in the region compounds the threat, potentially providing ready access to materials for IED manufacture.” Says Abdulkabir Salisu, a mining engineer based in Nasarawa state to TruthNigeria.
Security forces have been placed on high alert for potential attacks, but the shift to IED usage suggests that claims of military success against bandits and Lakurawa may have been premature.
International Concerns
The evolution of bandit tactics in Northwest Nigeria should raise alarms in Washington as the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office. The situation threatens to create another complex security challenge in Africa’s most populous nation, potentially requiring increased U.S. counter-terrorism support in the region.
The intersection of banditry with terrorist tactics presents a new challenge that requires both military adaptation and enhanced intelligence gathering to address effectively. The growing sophistication of these groups, particularly their ability to assemble and deploy IEDs, suggests possible links to broader terrorist networks across the Sahel region.
The Road Ahead
As extremist groups in the northwest increasingly adopt IEDs to target military bases, patrol teams, and civilian areas, the need for a revised security strategy becomes more urgent. The combination of traditional banditry with terrorist tactics presents a new challenge that requires both military adaptation and enhanced intelligence gathering to address effectively.
The abundance of explosives from illegal mining activities in the region could further exacerbate the situation, leading to heightened security threats. Security forces have been advised to remain vigilant and on high alert for potential attacks in the coming days, as this new development suggests a significant evolution in the ongoing security challenges facing Northwest Nigeria.
Segun Onibiyo and Steven Kefas are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria
