Bandits Kill Three Policemen in Zamfara

Three policemen were killed in an early morning ambush by armed bandits in the Damba area of Gusau, Zamfara State capital.

According to Donjoe Media, the patrol team was attacked in the early hours of today when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle. An eyewitness, Mohammed Sani, said residents woke to heavy gunfire that lasted several minutes before the attackers fled.

The patrol vehicle was riddled with bullets. The truck bore an inscription showing it was donated by the Zamfara State Government. The attack caused panic in Damba, with residents fleeing and early morning business activities disrupted.

Zamfara Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Bello, confirmed the incident. He said the officers were reportedly asleep on duty when attacked, a statement that has drawn public reaction. He warned divisional commanders that operational laxity on night patrols will not be tolerated and that officers found wanting will face disciplinary action.

Police authorities said an investigation is underway, with forensic evidence being gathered from the vehicle and tactical units sweeping suspected escape routes to track the gang.

The incident comes amid heightened insecurity in Zamfara. In recent days, gunmen killed 20 people in an ambush on traders moving from Gwashi to Nasarawa market in Bukkuyum LGA. Those killed included four soldiers, three policemen, one NSCDC officer and 12 civilians.

Amnesty International also raised alarm today, saying bandits are laying siege to villages in the state, trapping residents without access to food and medical supplies. The organization called for urgent federal intervention.

Residents in Gusau said insecurity has forced many to abandon homes, with kidnapping threats and ransom demands affecting businesses. The development has impacted farming and trading during harvest season.

In response, the Zamfara State Government said it will deploy 1,000 forest guards. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Mohammed Dantawasa, said the guards, recruited from affected communities for their knowledge of the terrain, will be trained and deployed to hotspots including Bindin and Falale in Maru, Damba and Wanke in Gusau, Bagega in Anka, and Moriki in Zurmi.

He said the guards will operate under supervision of federal security agencies and coordinate with the Army and Police, with communication equipment provided to improve intelligence sharing.

Dantawasa urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and youth groups to support security agencies and report suspicious movements, warning against harboring criminals or acting as informants for bandits.

For verified security updates, follow the https://www.npf.gov.ng/.

Read also Troops Intercept Bandit Supply Convoy in Birnin Gwari

By Jonadab Oluikpe