Armed attackers, identified locally as bandits, planted explosives along the Dansadau-Gusau road in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria, resulting in multiple casualties and extensive damage, according to military officials and witnesses.
Eyewitnesses reported that at least 12 travelers lost their lives, while six others sustained injuries when their vehicle struck one of the hidden explosives. The Joint Task Force (JTF) has since deployed an ordnance disposal team to secure the area and clear any additional threats, confirmed spokesperson Abubakar Abdullahi.
Though the military has yet to confirm the exact death toll, Abdullahi stated that efforts are underway to investigate the attack and apprehend those responsible. “We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” he added.
This latest attack highlights a troubling escalation in tactics by armed groups in the region, who have increasingly targeted civilians and security forces using explosives. Zamfara state has been a hotspot for banditry, with frequent incidents of kidnapping, raids, and violence against travelers and local communities.
