At least 30 people have been killed after heavily armed bandits launched a deadly ambush on travellers along the notorious Magami–Dansadau highway in Zamfara State, in what has become one of the deadliest attacks recorded on the route in 2026.
The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday evening when gunmen suspected to be bandits opened fire on moving vehicles and commuters travelling between Magami and Gusau, causing panic and multiple casualties along the busy highway.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard, Abubakar Gummi, said the attackers carried out a coordinated assault targeting motorists, passengers, and local security volunteers along the route.
According to him, 21 civilians lost their lives during the attack, while eight local hunters and one member of the community protection guard were also killed in the violent encounter.
Gummi explained that security operatives and local vigilante groups quickly responded after the ambush and engaged the attackers in a gun battle that reportedly lasted for some time.
He stated that several bandits were also neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, although authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties among the attackers.
The Magami–Dansadau highway has remained one of the most dangerous routes in Zamfara South due to persistent bandit attacks, kidnappings, and armed robberies targeting travellers, farmers, and commercial operators.
The road serves as a major link connecting several rural communities to Gusau, the state capital, making it an important route for transportation, trade, and economic activities despite the growing security threats in the area.
Residents and commuters have repeatedly raised concerns over the worsening insecurity along the corridor, with many travellers now forced to move in convoys or avoid night journeys entirely.
Security sources disclosed that bodies of the victims have been evacuated to nearby hospitals and health centres, while several injured survivors are currently receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds and trauma sustained during the ambush.
The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing security crisis affecting parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly Zamfara State, where communities continue to battle recurring attacks by armed groups despite ongoing military operations and local security interventions.
As of the time of filing this report, the Zamfara State Government had not released an official statement regarding the attack.
