Armed bandits once again targeted the Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara on Saturday, blocking the road between Kucheri and Magazu communities in Tsafe Local Government Area. During the attack, the bandits fired at passing vehicles and kidnapped several travellers. The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that a joint rescue operation is underway to recover the abducted victims.

The spokesperson for the police, ASP Yazid Abubakar, clarified that no police officers were kidnapped, despite earlier reports. He emphasized that security agencies are collaborating to track down the bandits and rescue the hostages.

Zamfara and neighboring states have experienced a surge in bandit attacks, with heavily armed gangs conducting mass abductions, looting, and violence. These groups, operating from forest hideouts, have increasingly targeted civilians and local vigilantes. Analysts have voiced concerns about the growing alliance between bandits and jihadists in the region, further escalating insecurity.