SAA event in Nigeria on Sun 19th April 2026

Bandits kill two, abduct police inspector in Zamfara highway attack By: Zagazola Makama Armed bandits have killed two persons and abducted a police inspector during an attack along the Birnin Magaji–Kaura Namoda road in Zamfara state. Sources said the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on April 19 when a large number of bandits, estimated at about 100 and armed with AK-47 rifles, blocked the road between Gidan Malam Haruna and Gidan Katare villages in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area. According to the sources, the attackers intercepted a Golf 3 vehicle conveying passengers from Nasarawa Godel market to Kaura Namoda and opened fire on it. The sources said two victims, identified as Zaliha Usman and an unidentified infant, were killed during the attack. They added that the bandits also abducted a police inspector, Bala Abdullahi, attached to Kaura Namoda Division, and made away with his motorcycle. A combined team of police tactical operatives, military personnel, community protection guards and local hunters was mobilised to the scene, but came under fire from the bandits. During the encounter, two military personnel sustained gunshot injuries. The sources said the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Birnin Magaji, where the deceased were confirmed dead, while the injured received treatment. They added that the corpse of Zaliha Usman had been released to her family for burial according to Islamic rites. Security agencies said efforts were ongoing to track the attackers and secure the safe rescue of the abducted police officer.