The Zamfara State Police Command says it has neutralised seventeen bandits and intensified efforts to rescue passengers abducted along the Gusau-Funtua Federal Highway in Tsafe Local Government Area.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, said the incident occurred on August 25, 2026, at about 4:05 p.m., when heavily armed bandits blocked the highway and opened fire on motorists and passengers.
The Police said the attackers intercepted two commercial vehicles travelling from Sokoto to Gwagwalada, as well as another vehicle conveying eighteen passengers towards Kaduna and Abuja.
According to the statement, the driver of one of the vehicles was shot dead, causing the vehicle to somersault, while six passengers — four males and two females — were also fatally shot.
Another male passenger was killed, while nine others sustained gunshot injuries. Eight passengers were reportedly abducted and taken to an undisclosed location.
Following the attack, the Divisional Police Officer in Tsafe mobilised the Police Violent Crime Response Team to the scene, where the deceased and injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Tsafe.
The deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary, while the injured received medical attention.
Later the same day, at about 6:45 p.m., the Police said the same group of armed bandits attacked Magazu village in Tsafe Local Government Area.
A 35-year-old man was hit by a stray bullet during the attack.
In a swift follow-up operation, police and military operatives reportedly trailed the fleeing bandits to the Funtua Federal Highway, where they attempted to intercept and loot a trailer conveying food items.
The Police said the bandits fled after sighting the security forces but were engaged in a gun battle.
Seventeen bandits were reportedly neutralised, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
The police and military teams in Tsafe are continuing operations to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal group and rescue the abducted passengers.
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(Editor: Ada Ononye)
