Armed bandits on Saturday blocked a major highway in northwestern Nigeria, abducted an unspecified number of travellers, and engaged in a shootout with security forces.
The attack occurred on the Gusau-Funtua highway between Kucheri and Magazu communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the Zamfara State Police Command, the bandits opened fire on moving vehicles and kidnapped passengers.
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Police and other security agencies are conducting joint rescue operations to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The incident marks the latest in a series of attacks by armed gangs in the region. Zamfara, along with neighbouring states, has been plagued by violence perpetrated by these groups, who often demand ransoms for abducted victims and engage in other criminal activities.
Analysts and officials have raised concerns about the growing alliance between these bandits and jihadist groups operating in the northeast of the country.
(Edited by Oludare Mayowa; omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
