By Stephen Simon
At least eight security personnel have been killed after suspected bandits ambushed a police convoy in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims comprised five police officers and three members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard, a state-backed security outfit supporting operations against banditry in the state.
The attack occurred on Tuesday near Gidan-Giye village when gunmen opened fire on a 15-seater bus conveying the security team.
A community protection official, Lawal Haruna, confirmed the casualties, while another member of the outfit, Abubakar Isa, said the attackers destroyed the vehicle during the assault.
According to reports, police later recovered the bodies of five officers and rescued seven other personnel, including two officers who sustained injuries and were taken for medical attention.
The attackers reportedly escaped with five AK-47 rifles. There were also reports that some officers were abducted, although the police had yet to establish how many remained missing.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenges confronting Zamfara and other parts of the North-West, where armed groups have sustained attacks on security formations and rural communities.
