The Police in Zamfara State have confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Funtua-Gusau highway blew up a trailer carrying cement.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at Ungwar Mai Chida and caused a traffic gridlock on the highway.

It was learned that the Improvised Explosive Device (IED), planted on the highway by suspected bandits exploded as the trailer stepped on it.

The ill-fated truck was from Kaduna heading to Sokoto. Not a life was lost as the driver of the truck who sustained injuries, was reportedly rescued alive.

A resident said that the explosion occurred just hours after a combined team of police and military operatives had cleared and reopened the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta road in the Tsafe local government area.

The road in question has been impassable for over a month due to an IED that was planted by criminal elements.

Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, said that combined tactical teams of the Police and Military, particularly the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, successfully detected and detonated multiple IEDs along the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta axis.

• IGP Tunji Disu

Tunji Disu, has been appointed as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

Before his elevation, Disu was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex, Lagos.

He took over from the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

Over the course of his career, he has held several sensitive and strategic roles within the Nigeria Police Force, including leadership positions in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), anti-kidnapping units and state criminal investigation departments.

Below are five notable facts about the new police chief:

1. A people-centred approach during the EndSARS protests.

During the 2020 EndSARS protests, Disu, then Commander of the Lagos State Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS), distinguished himself with a people-focused policing strategy.

Under his leadership, RRS ambulances were deployed to provide medical assistance to injured protesters. His engagement style helped rebuild trust between law enforcement and civilians, with residents willingly sharing intelligence, confident of confidentiality.Security experts later cited the RRS under Disu as a benchmark for professional, community-oriented policing.

Security experts later cited the RRS under Disu as a benchmark for professional, community-oriented policing.

2. Central role in the arrest of kidnap kingpin Evans

Disu was a key figure in the operation that led to the arrest of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.

The suspect was apprehended at his Magodo residence in Lagos, marking one of the most significant breakthroughs in Nigeria’s fight against organised kidnapping and violent crime.

3. Decisive crackdown on violent cultism in Rivers State

As Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Disu led decisive operations against violent cult groups destabilising communities.

4. Cross-border recovery of stolen iPhones

In another high-profile operation, Disu led investigations following the burglary of a major iPhone store in South Africa.Intelligence reports traced the stolen devices to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos.

His swift and coordinated response led to their recovery and return, drawing commendation from South African authorities.The operation contributed to Lagos State’s recognition in 2016 by Security Watch Africa as one of Africa’s safest states, while the RRS emerged as the best anti-crime police unit in West Africa.

5. Champion judoka and decorated officer

Beyond policing, Disu is an accomplished judoka with decades of competitive experience.

At the U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022, he won a silver medal, competing against more than 500 international athletes.He began practising judo in 1986 and has won multiple medals, including two gold medals at the National Sports Festival, as well as honours at the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces Games.

In 2021, he also clinched gold at the Nigerian Police Veterans Championship.

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The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged cybercrime and national security breach has been shifted to April 23 after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to produce him in court this morning at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

During the resumed proceeding, the prosecutor, Oluwole Aladejoye informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the defendant was still in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission ICPC where he is under investigation for alleged misappropriation of funds.‎‎

This therefore prompted the judge to adjourn the matter till April 23 for the arraignment.

‎‎The ex-governor is facing three counts for unlawfully intercepting (or admitting to intercepting with associates) the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone communications — violating the Cybercrimes Act.

He is also accused of using technical systems to compromise public safety/national security and instilling apprehension, an action that is in breach of the Nigerian Communications Act.

‎‎The charges arise from Mallam El-Rufai’s February 13 interview on Arise News, where he claimed knowledge of intercepted phone communications of the National Security Adviser allegedly used to learn of a planned arrest attempt against him.