Five police officers have been killed and one declared missing following a deadly ambush by suspected bandits along the Tsafe–Funtua highway in Zamfara State on Thursday.
The attack reportedly occurred while the officers were conducting a routine patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar.
He revealed that the attack occurred during a regular patrol operation and that immediate reinforcements had been dispatched.
“A joint operation is underway to locate the missing officer and apprehend the perpetrators,” DSP Abubakar said.
He added that police presence along the volatile Tsafe–Funtua axis has been increased.
The remains of the slain officers were transported to the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau for formal identification and arrangements.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, reacted swiftly to the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
In a statement released via his official Facebook page, the governor confirmed that a total of eight security personnel five police officers and three soldiers were killed in the ambush.
“I received an unpleasant report of an ambush by bandits on police security officers and soldiers on the road from Funtuwa to Gusau where they killed eight officers,” the governor wrote.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims, praying for the repose of their souls and for strength to endure the loss.
“May Allah have mercy on them, and give their families and relatives patience for this loss.
”We ask Allah to put an end to this security problem in the whole of Zamfara State, the North and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
Zamfara remains one of the states hardest hit by banditry, with criminal gangs frequently targeting rural communities, commuters, and security operatives.
The Tsafe–Funtua highway has witnessed multiple attacks in recent years, with security forces struggling to maintain stability in the area despite several military operations.
The most recent attack highlighted the continued challenge facing authorities in securing the North-West region, and the rising toll on both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
As of press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
