No fewer than four police officers have been killed, while two others sustained injuries following an ambush by suspected armed bandits in Katsina State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at about 12:45 p.m. along the Guga–Bakori road, a major rural route linking several farming communities in the state.
Sources told counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, that the victims were operatives of the 27 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Guga Camp, who were on routine patrol when they were attacked.
According to the sources, the patrol team came under heavy gunfire from the assailants, causing the driver of the police vehicle to lose control. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and crashed, leaving the officers exposed.
Three officers died on the spot and were identified as ASP Abubakar Abdullahi, Insp. Umar Ahmed and Sgt. Kailani Kabir. A fourth officer later died from injuries sustained during the attack, raising the death toll to four.
The attackers were said to have overrun the patrol team and made away with several service weapons, including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, a Tokarev pistol with eight rounds, and a long-range gunner rifle.
Two other officers survived the ambush but sustained serious injuries. Cpl. Daniel Japet reportedly suffered a fracture, while Cpl. Abdulaziz Sani was shot. Both officers were evacuated to the General Hospital in Funtua for treatment.
Following the attack, the Area Commander in Funtua mobilised joint police teams, supported by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, to the scene. The remains of the deceased officers were also taken to the hospital for autopsy.
Security forces have since cordoned off the area and launched search operations to track down the attackers and recover the stolen weapons.
The latest ambush highlights the persistent security challenges along key roads in Katsina State, despite ongoing operations to curb banditry and other criminal activities.
