Zamfara State: Multiple fatalities reported in bandit attacks and IED explosion

Multiple violent attacks by armed bandits have been reported in Zamfara State, Nigeria, resulting in several fatalities and injuries.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by bandits exploded on the Gurusu–Gwashi road in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area. The blast killed two people, identified as a young man, Mujahid M. Sani, and a woman.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, bandits attacked motorists on the Gusau–Funtua Federal Highway near Unguwar Chida Village in the Tsafe Local Government Area. The attackers intercepted two commercial vehicles. In one vehicle, the driver and six passengers were killed after the car somersaulted following gunfire. In a second vehicle, a Sokoto State Transport Authority bus, one passenger was killed and nine others were injured.

Police reported that eight passengers were abducted during the highway attack. Following a gun battle with security operatives, police stated that 17 bandits were neutralized. The injured from the highway attack were evacuated to the General Hospital in Tsafe for treatment.