Five police officers have lost their lives after suspected bandits ambushed their convoy along the route between Sokoto and Zamfara states. The personnel were en route for a special duty assignment when the armed assailants struck.
According to a report by Punch, the tragic incident happened on Sunday as the officers travelled together in a team of three vehicles. The armed attackers reportedly launched a sudden assault by targeting the last vehicle in the formation.
A survivor among the travelling personnel, who spoke anonymously, stated that the gunmen began shooting directly at the rear vehicle without warning. He confirmed that five colleagues lost their lives during the gunfire.
Video footage that surfaced online after the attack captured the difficult aftermath of the ambush. The clips showed the bodies of several officers inside the targeted vehicle, with their limbs tied using ropes.
Personal possessions belonging to the personnel were left scattered across the ground in the surrounding area. The vehicle used to transport the officers also displayed clear bloodstains following the shooting.
Attempts to reach ASP Abdallah Faruku, the spokesperson for Police Zone 10, were unsuccessful as his phone line was unavailable when the news broke.
Northwestern Nigeria, especially parts of Zamfara and Sokoto, has continued to face security challenges from armed gangs and bandits operating along major inter-state corridors. These groups frequently stage attacks on security convoys, travellers, and remote communities.
