Residents of Zugurma community 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 area.
Local sources said the object, believed to resemble a missile warhead, was sighted by residents during routine activities. Alarmed by its appearance and the potential danger it posed, the community promptly alerted security agencies.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the object was suspected to be a missile component, with early speculations linking it to a Tomahawk missile allegedly fired recently by the United States towards North-West Nigeria. However, authorities have not confirmed this claim.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the discovery was reported to the police on Tuesday.
According to him, “On January 5, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., a report was received from the Zugurma area of Mashegu LGA that some locals sighted an object suspected to be a missile in the bush.”
Abiodun said police operatives from the Ibbi Division were immediately mobilised to the scene, where they cordoned off the area and restricted access to prevent any possible harm to residents.
“The police operatives moved to the scene, cordoned and secured the object, while the EOD-CBRN unit of the Command was deployed for investigation, assessment and recovery,” he said.
He added that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit has taken custody of the object for detailed examination.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact nature and origin of the object, as well as how it found its way into the community.
“The item is under investigation, and further developments will be made public,” Abiodun stated.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to report any suspicious objects or movements to security agencies as investigations continue.
[…] The incident in Zugurma served as a reminder that unexpected hazards can appear even in peaceful areas. Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects immediately. Local authorities emphasized that avoiding contact with unknown items is the safest approach. Rumors suggested that the device might have originated from military exercises, but officials confirmed no definitive link yet. [Peoples Daily NG] […]