Tragedy struck on Thursday along a highway in Zamfara State, where a fierce battle between joint security forces and bandits led to the deaths of three Nigerian Army soldiers and four Nigeria Police Force personnel. The incident unfolded as the security team was responding to an imminent attack by bandits targeting a construction company working on the Gusau-Funtua highway, a stretch of road known for its heavy traffic and recurrent security challenges.
According to the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, Mohammed Dalijan, the bandits had meticulously planned to attack and abduct staff from Setraco, a construction company operating in the area. The security forces, comprising both the police and the military, acted swiftly on intelligence reports indicating the planned attack. However, the situation took a deadly turn when the bandits laid a well-coordinated ambush along the route, catching the joint security team off guard.
CP Dalijan provided further details, explaining that the ambush took place as the security forces advanced toward the location to thwart the attack. “The bandits had wanted to enter Setraco camp to abduct some staff of Setraco company. We had the information, and we immediately dispatched our men to prevent the attack, not knowing that the bandits had already laid an ambush on the road,” he said.
As the security forces approached, the bandits launched a surprise assault, opening fire on them. A heavy exchange of gunfire ensued as the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce battle. Despite being caught in the ambush, the joint security forces fought valiantly in their efforts to repel the attack, determined to protect the lives and properties of civilians in the area. However, the overwhelming firepower of the bandits resulted in the loss of lives on the part of the security personnel.
“We met with heavy resistance from the bandits,” CP Dalijan explained. “They opened fire, and a gun battle followed. Unfortunately, we lost three soldiers and four policemen during the exchange.”
The loss of these brave officers underscores the severe risks faced by security forces as they continue their ongoing battle against banditry and criminal activity in Zamfara State and other parts of northern Nigeria. For years, the region has been plagued by the menace of bandits who have terrorized communities through attacks, kidnappings, and extortion. Despite numerous security operations aimed at neutralizing these groups, the bandits have continued to mount brazen attacks, often targeting key infrastructure projects and travelers along major highways.
This latest attack occurred on the Gusau-Funtua highway, one of the busiest routes in the region. It has been reported that before the ambush on the security forces, the bandits blocked the highway for about two hours, causing chaos and fear among commuters. The highway, a critical artery for transportation and commerce, has been a frequent target for bandit activities, making it perilous for travelers and businesses alike.
The battle between security forces and the bandits highlights the evolving tactics employed by these criminal groups. By laying ambushes, they demonstrate a level of coordination and intelligence that continues to challenge the efforts of the Nigerian military and police forces. The willingness of the bandits to engage directly with security personnel in open combat also points to their growing boldness and the severity of the security threat in the region.
The Commissioner of Police praised the bravery and commitment of the security personnel who responded to the threat, emphasizing their determination to prevent further loss of life and protect the Setraco construction camp. “The troops fought gallantly while repelling the attack,” CP Dalijan noted, adding that the security forces were committed to continuing the fight against banditry despite the tragic loss of their colleagues.
The deaths of the three soldiers and four police officers serve as a sobering reminder of the high cost of maintaining security in Nigeria’s troubled regions. The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force have been at the forefront of counter-banditry operations, often facing not only bandits but also insurgent groups and other armed militias. These security challenges have stretched the country’s defense resources thin, particularly in states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, where banditry is most rampant.
This latest attack has also brought renewed calls for the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts in addressing the root causes of banditry and improving the security apparatus in vulnerable areas. Many communities in Zamfara and surrounding states have lived in constant fear of attacks, with bandits frequently targeting rural villages, farms, and travelers. The ongoing insecurity has had devastating effects on the region’s economy, education, and overall quality of life.
Following the ambush, CP Dalijan assured the public that the security forces were not deterred and would continue their operations to restore peace in the area. Additional reinforcements have been mobilized to track down the bandits responsible for the ambush and prevent further attacks on the highway and surrounding communities. Investigations are also ongoing to determine how the bandits managed to ambush the security team and whether there was any compromise in intelligence sharing.
The deaths of the soldiers and police personnel have sparked widespread grief among their colleagues and the general public, with many paying tribute to their sacrifice. In the face of such loss, there is a renewed call for a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity in northern Nigeria, including not only military action but also social and economic reforms that address the underlying conditions that fuel banditry.
As Zamfara State continues to grapple with the security crisis, the efforts of the joint security forces to repel this latest attack serve as a testament to their ongoing commitment to defending the nation. However, the tragic loss of life underscores the immense challenges that lie ahead in the fight to secure peace and stability in the region.
