Three Policemen Killed as Bandits Ambush Night Patrol in Zamfara

At least three policemen have been killed after bandits attacked a night patrol team in Damba Division, Gusau, Zamfara State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026, according to a source who spoke to SaharaReporters and asked not to be named.

The source said the officers were on night patrol when bandits ambushed them, adding that the patrol van was riddled with bullets during the attack.

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A photograph seen by SaharaReporters shows the patrol vehicle marked “DAMBA DIVISION, ZAMFARA STATE, DONATED BY: ZAMFARA STATE GOVT.” with bullet holes on its body.

As of the time the report was filed, the Zamfara State Police Command had not officially confirmed the incident.

The killings came days after another deadly ambush on traders in the state. Gunmen reportedly killed 20 people after attacking a convoy of traders travelling under military escort in Zamfara State.

According to reports four soldiers, three police officers and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were among those killed alongside 12 civilians. The convoy was on its way to Nasarawa market in Bukkuyum LGA from Gwashi when it came under attack.

Heavily armed gangs known as bandits have kept up a pattern of attacks across Zamfara State, raiding villages, seizing residents for ransom and rustling livestock.