Zamfara Police Counter PRNigeria Report, Insist Families of Fallen EOD Officers Are Not Neglected
The Zamfara State Police Command has dismissed a recent PRNigeria report alleging that the families of three police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel killed while clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the state had not received support, describing the publication as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command said the report, titled “Experts Raise Alarm Over Lack of Support for Families of Officers Killed in Zamfara IED Blast,” was published without seeking clarification from either the Police Command or the families of the deceased officers.
The rejoinder follows a PRNigeria report highlighting concerns raised by some security personnel over the welfare of the families of three EOD officers—Superintendent of Police Abdulrazak Hassan, Inspector Murtala Musa and Inspector Auwal Ahmad—who were killed on June 16, 2026, when their Armoured Personnel Carrier struck an IED planted by bandits along the Anka–Bagega Road in Zamfara State during a bomb disposal operation.
The incident, which claimed the lives of the bomb disposal experts after they had successfully neutralised several explosives, drew nationwide attention, with Inspector-General of Police Tunji Rilwan Disu personally attending their funeral in Gusau and describing the fallen officers as heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation.
Concerned security personnel who spoke to PRNigeria on condition of anonymity said that more than a month after the officers paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the state, their families were yet to receive any visible support from the Zamfara State Government.
The officers appealed to Governor Dauda Lawal to emulate other state governments that have provided relief and incentives to families of fallen security personnel, arguing that such gestures boost the morale of officers engaged in dangerous counter-insurgency operations.
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PRNigeria contacted the Zamfara State Government through the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sulaiman Bala Idris, seeking the government’s response to the concerns raised by the security personnel and clarification on whether any support had been extended to the families of the slain officers. However, as of the time the report was filed, Idris had neither responded to the message sent to him nor answered a subsequent telephone call.
One of the officers said: “We have seen how other states support families of fallen security personnel, but here in Zamfara we are still waiting for the government to do something. None of the deceased officers had small families to cater for.”
Meanwhile, according to the Command in its rejoinder, the welfare of police personnel and the families of officers who died in the line of duty remains a top priority of both the Nigeria Police Force and the Zamfara State Government.
The Police also defended the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal, saying the state government has consistently demonstrated commitment to supporting security agencies through logistical, operational and welfare interventions aimed at strengthening security across Zamfara.
The Command maintained that, contrary to the impression created by the report, the state government had not abandoned the families of the slain officers.
“It is therefore misleading to portray the families of the fallen officers as having been abandoned or left without support or assistance from the State Government,” the statement said.
The Police further reassured serving personnel and the public that both the Police authorities and the Zamfara State Government remain committed to the welfare of officers and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
The Command consequently disassociated itself from the claims contained in the publication, insisting that they do not reflect the true situation on the ground.
It also expressed appreciation to the Zamfara State Government and residents of the state for their continued support to security agencies, describing the collaboration as vital to ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
The Command urged journalists and media organisations to verify sensitive reports with relevant authorities and affected families before publication to ensure accuracy, fairness and responsible journalism.
By PRNigeria
