The Zamfara State Police Command has successfully repelled two separate attacks by suspected armed bandits in Maru and Bukkuyum local government areas of the state on Thursday night.

In a statement, the spokesperson of the state police command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Yazid Abubakar, said on April 9, 2026, at about 7:30 pm, a group of suspected armed bandits riding approximately ten motorcycles and armed with AK-47 rifles confronted a team of police personnel at a pin-down point along the Kadauri/Kizawa axis in Maru local government.

He said, “The police operatives responded swiftly and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, effectively repelling the attack and forcing the bandits to retreat into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries”.

“During the encounter, one member of the Kadauri Vigilante Group sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Maru, where he is currently receiving treatment”.

According to him, normalcy has since been restored in the area, while patrols and monitoring are ongoing.

Abubakar also said, on the same day at about 1:35 am, a large number of armed bandits bearing sophisticated weapons attacked Yar Galma Village in the Bukkuyum local government area, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.

He said, “In a swift response, a joint team of police personnel and vigilantes mobilized and engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the forest with gunshot injuries.”

“However, during the encounter, four residents of Yar Galma sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries”.

“The victims were promptly evacuated to the General Hospital, Bukkuyum, for medical attention, and normalcy has also been restored in the area”.

Abubakar stressed that the state Police Command remained committed to safeguarding the lives and property of the people of the state.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information. (The PUNCH)