Tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon along the Gusau–Funtua Federal Highway as officers of the Zamfara State Police Command engaged a group of heavily armed bandits in a fierce gun duel, leaving several of the criminals neutralized.
The encounter occurred around Gidan Giye village in Tsafe Local Government Area at about 1:00 p.m., when a patrol team led by ASP John Dogara was ambushed by the assailants while on routine operations.
According to a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the officers courageously returned fire, engaging the bandits in a prolonged shootout. While many of the attackers were reportedly gunned down, others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
However, the operation came at a heavy cost, as five gallant officers lost their lives in the line of duty.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP I.B. Maikaba, psc+, deeply commends the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen heroes who fought valiantly to defend the state,” the statement read.
He further assured residents that the Command remains resolute in its mission to rid Zamfara of criminal elements, noting that reinforcements have since been deployed to the area to restore calm and guarantee the safety of travelers along the highway.
Normalcy has since returned to the Gidan Giye axis, with patrols intensified to deter any possible reprisal attacks.
The Zamfara Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations against banditry in the state.
About The Author
