Security forces in Zamfara State have rescued nine travellers who were trapped in a bandit attack on the Gusau-Funtua Federal Highway, according to a statement from the state police command. The incident occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, in the Tsafe Local Government Area, and also led to a separate arrest of a suspected arms courier along the same route.
Attack and Rescue Operation
The attack unfolded around 1:20 pm when the Tsafe Divisional Police Headquarters received reports of heavy gunfire near the Kwanoni-Gidan Giye axis of the highway. Police said suspected bandits had intercepted two vehicles and opened fire on the occupants.
One of the vehicles was a Sharon mini-bus with registration number KWL 742 ZY, driven by Lawal Dauda of Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State. It was carrying seven passengers travelling from Gusau to Zaria. The second vehicle was an unregistered bus driven by Haruna Alhaji Nasiru of Danja LGA, Katsina State, who was transporting dry cassava from Sokoto to Funtua. His son, Sanusi Haruna, was also in the vehicle.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Tsafe Divisional Police Officer, along with operatives from the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and military personnel under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, moved to the scene. The security forces engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the attack and flee towards the mountainous outskirts of Tsafe town. The police statement noted that some of the bandits are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
All nine occupants of the two vehicles were rescued unharmed, the statement confirmed.
Arms Courier Arrested
In a separate operation later that day, at approximately 5:30 pm, VCRU operatives arrested a 50-year-old man, Khalid Umar, from Bawa Ganga Village in Tsafe LGA. Umar was intercepted along the Funtua-Tsafe Federal Highway following credible intelligence. Police allege he was conveying 11 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Umar was allegedly transporting the firearms from Shuwaki Village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State to Bawa Ganga in Zamfara. He is currently in police custody, and the recovered firearms have been secured for further investigation. The police said the investigation would determine the source and intended recipients of the weapons, as well as identify other persons connected with their procurement and movement.
Security Measures and Public Assurance
The Zamfara State Police Command has assured motorists and residents that it will sustain joint patrols and intelligence-led operations along major highways and other vulnerable areas in the state. The command stated that these measures are aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of travellers.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges on the Gusau-Funtua corridor, a key route for commuters and goods transport. The swift response by the combined security forces underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing such threats. As the investigation into the arms seizure continues, residents and travellers will be watching for further updates on the police’s efforts to dismantle the networks behind these attacks.
Source: Daily Trust
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