Zamfara: Gunmen Burn Vehicles, Abduct Commuters on Tsafe Road

Suspected terrorists on Friday launched a deadly attack on commuters travelling along the Danjibga Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, setting two vehicles on fire and abducting all passengers on board.

According to multiple reports, the attackers barricaded the road to stop vehicles before opening their assault. After forcefully removing passengers from the vehicles, the gunmen reportedly abducted all occupants to an unknown location. The assailants later set the vehicles ablaze before fleeing the scene.

As of Saturday, there has been no official confirmation of the number of victims abducted, and their whereabouts remain unknown, heightening fear among residents and road users in the area.

The incident was confirmed by security alert platform Bakatsine, which noted that the attack further underscores the persistent insecurity along major highways across Zamfara State. The platform warned that despite repeated security operations, travellers remain vulnerable to attacks by armed groups operating in the region.

The latest assault comes just days after a deadly Improvised Explosive Device explosion killed at least eight people along the Gusau Magami Dansadau Road on December 27. The blast caused significant damage to property and triggered panic among residents and commuters using the strategic route.

In response to the explosion, Nigerian security forces launched an emergency joint operation to secure the affected highway. Authorities later announced that the road had been cleared and declared safe for public use.

Acting on the directive of the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, specialised Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams were immediately deployed to comb the highway amid fears that additional explosive devices may have been planted.

The operation involved Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal operatives, and the Joint Task Force under Operation Fansa Yamma, with armed personnel providing security cover throughout the exercise.

However, Friday’s attack has renewed concerns over the effectiveness of security measures and the safety of commuters travelling along major roads in Zamfara State, as residents continue to call for sustained and proactive security presence across vulnerable areas.