By: John Bassey, Gusau.
The Zamfara State Police Command has recorded a significant operational response following a coordinated attack by a large group of armed bandits along the Gusau–Funtua Federal Highway, near Unguwar Chida Village, Tsafe Local Government Area.
As revealed in a statement by DSP Yazid Abubakar, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, Zamfara State Command made available to Journalists in Gusau, on 25 August 2026, at about 1605hrs, the Command received a report that heavily armed bandits had blocked the highway and opened indiscriminate fire on motorists and passengers.
The hoodlums intercepted two commercial vehicles, namely an unregistered Sharon vehicle driven by Alh. Halilu Namadi (m), of Taloka Village, Goronyo LGA, Sokoto State, who was travelling from Sokoto to Gwagwalada, FCT, and a Sokoto State Transport Authority (SSTA) bus, registration No. LV 94, driven by Sanusi Musa (m), a staff member of SSTA Sokoto Branch, conveying eighteen (18) passengers towards Kaduna and Abuja.
During the attack, the Sharon vehicle driver was shot dead, causing the vehicle to lose control, somersault and veer off the road. Six (6) passengers, comprising four (4) males and two (2) females, were also fatally shot.
Similarly, one (1) male passenger aboard the SSTA bus was shot dead, while nine (9) other passengers sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries. Eight (8) passengers were abducted by the bandits to an undisclosed location.
Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Tsafe, swiftly mobilised and led the Police Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) team to the scene. The deceased and injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Tsafe, where the injured victims are receiving medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the mortuary pending identification and contact with their relatives.
At about 1845hrs on the same date, the same group of armed bandits attacked Magazu Village in Tsafe LGA. During the attack, a stray bullet struck one Lawali Muazu (m), aged 35 years, of Magazu Village. He was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Tsafe, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
In a swift follow-up operation, Police and military operatives trailed the fleeing bandits to the Funtua–Gusau Federal Highway, where the hoodlums attempted to intercept and loot a trailer conveying food items.
On sighting the approaching security forces, the bandits attempted to flee. The operatives engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of seventeen (17) bandits, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
The Police VCRU team and the military in Tsafe are currently intensifying efforts to trail and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal group and rescue the abducted passengers.
Meanwhile, the security situation in the affected areas is presently under control. Joint patrols comprising the Police, military, Community Protection Guards (CPG), hunters and local vigilantes have been strategically deployed along the highway and other vulnerable locations to prevent further attacks and safeguard the lives and property of motorists and commuters.
The joint security teams are also conducting aggressive clearance operations towards identified hideouts and routes being used by the criminal elements.
The Commissioner of Police further directed the operatives to sustain the ongoing search-and-rescue operations with renewed determination, with a view to rescuing the abducted passengers and bringing the fleeing bandits to justice.
The Command reassures residents and commuters that every necessary operational measure is being taken to restore and maintain lasting security along the affected corridor.
The Command also urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or other security formation.
