GUSAU, Nigeria — The Commissioner of Police (CP) for Zamfara State in northwest Nigeria, Ahmad Bello, has confirmed the deaths of two police officers and three civilians following a violent assault by suspected bandits. The attack targeted the Yarkatsina Laka community within the state, which has long grappled with challenges related to rural banditry and armed conflict.
According to a statement released on Thursday, April 9, 2026, by the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, the incident occurred earlier in the week. On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a large group of armed bandits, estimated to be riding at least 50 motorcycles, invaded the community at approximately 5:55 p.m. West African Time (WAT, GMT+1).
In response to the invasion, the Police Strike Unit—a specialized tactical division of the Nigeria Police Force—engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. Commissioner Bello reported that security forces successfully neutralized 11 of the bandits during the confrontation and inflicted injuries on several others.
However, the exchange of fire resulted in casualties among the defenders and the local population. Two police personnel and three residents of the community lost their lives. Okay News reports that another police officer sustained injuries during the clash and is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed facility.
During a condolence visit to the grieving Yarkatsina Laka community in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, Commissioner Bello expressed his sympathies to the families of the victims. He reassured the public that the state police command remains firmly committed to enhancing the security infrastructure to restore lasting peace to the region. He also appealed to the local population to continue assisting security agencies by providing credible and timely information regarding criminal activities.
