Man killed by suspected bandits’ explosive in Niger

A man identified as Basiru Hassan has lost his life after stepping on an explosive device suspected to have been planted by bandits in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.  

The incident was disclosed by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on Tuesday via his X handle.

According to intelligence sources, the explosion occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10, when Hassan, a resident of Unguwan Hayin Jadda near Pandogari, ventured into the Sarari-Mangoro bush to tap honey.

According to the report, the deceased, while moving through the area, accidentally triggered the explosive, which detonated instantly.

Makama said that the relatives of the deceased later recovered his body and conducted his burial according to Islamic rites.

“The security agencies have since alerted other security agencies and local stakeholders to warn residents, particularly those in bandit-prone areas, to exercise extreme caution when moving through remote paths.

“The explosion brings attention to the growing danger posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by criminal elements especially Boko Haram faction operating in parts of Niger State,” the security expert added.