Zamfara Police and Security Forces Fight Off Bandit Attack

The Zamfara State Police, along with other security agencies, has successfully stopped a bandit attack during a two-hour gunfight. This happened along Gadar Manya in the Anka Local Government Area of the state.

A statement from the state police spokesperson on Tuesday said the clash occurred on Monday. It started when bandits tried to cross the highway and met the security team.

The police said the bandits opened fire as soon as they saw the security forces. They were forced to run into the bush, likely with gunshot wounds. The police recovered two motorcycles left behind at the scene.

The statement said, “The Zamfara State Police Command has continued to record successes in its ongoing fight against banditry across the state.

“On 8th June 2026, at approximately 1600 hours, a joint security team comprising operatives of the VCRU, ZFS, Mobile Police Force, and Civil Security Volunteers, while conducting anti-banditry patrols along Gadar Manya in the Anka Local Government Area, encountered a group of armed bandits attempting to cross the highway.

“On sighting the security team, the bandits opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire that lasted for about two hours. The operatives responded effectively, forcing the criminals to retreat into the bush with suspected gunshot wounds.

“Following the encounter, two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits were recovered at the scene. This development brings the total number of motorcycles recovered during recent anti-banditry operations to twelve.”

The statement also mentioned that efforts are ongoing to find and arrest the bandits who escaped.

The police said they are committed to keeping people safe and protecting property. They encouraged the public to share any useful information that could help with security operations in the state.

This news comes after another incident on Monday. Police reported that at least 39 residents of Magamin Diddi in the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State were kidnapped by armed bandits. This happened during a community meeting with the parents of a suspected bandit leader.