Armed bandits have killed five policemen and three Community Protection Guards (CPGs) in a deadly ambush along the Gusau–Funtua Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening when the operatives, who were reportedly on routine patrol, were attacked near Gidan-Giye village, just a few kilometres from Tsafe town.

According to a resident, Ya’u Musa, the bandits emerged from hiding and opened fire on the officers’ patrol vehicle.

“They were coming from Tsafe and had just reached near Gidan-Giye when the bandits suddenly ambushed them. All eight officers were killed instantly,” Musa said.

He added that the victims were part of a security team deployed from the Zamfara Government House to provide protection for travellers along the Gusau–Funtua highway, which has recently witnessed frequent attacks.

The bodies of the slain officers were later taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, for identification and further procedures.

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a post on his official Facebook page, he prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen officers and comfort for their grieving families.

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. I am deeply saddened by the loss of eight gallant security men who were ambushed and killed by bandits. May Allah forgive them and grant their families the strength to bear this loss,” the governor wrote.

Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Zamfara and restoring peace to affected communities.

The attack comes weeks after seven people were killed in a separate bandit raid on Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, highlighting the growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria’s northwest region.