Residents of Zugurma in Mashegu local government area of Niger State were thrown into panic on Monday following the discovery of a strange missile-like object in a bush near the community.
According to local sources, the device, believed to resemble a missile warhead, was spotted by residents during routine activities in the area. Alarmed by its appearance and potential danger, the locals quickly alerted security agencies.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the object was suspected to be a missile component, with early speculation linking it to a Tomahawk missile possibly fired by the United States recent to the North-West Nigeria. However, authorities have not confirmed this claim.
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Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the discovery was reported on Monday, January 5, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m.
"On 5th January, 2026, at about 2pm, a report received from the Zugurma area of Mashegu LGA indicated that some locals in the community sighted an object suspected to be a missile in the bush," Abiodun said.
He explained that police operatives from the Ibbi Division immediately mobilised to the location, cordoned off the area, and restricted access to prevent possible harm to residents.
"The police operatives moved to the scene, cordoned and secured the missile, while the EOD-CBRN unit of the Command was deployed for investigation, assessment and recovery," he added.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, specially trained to handle potentially explosive and hazardous materials, has since taken custody of the object for detailed examination.
Abiodun said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact nature, origin, and how the object ended up in the community.
"The item is under investigation, and further developments will be made public," he stated.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to report any suspicious objects or movements to security agencies as the investigation continued.
