Three soldiers of the Nigerian Army and four police officers were killed while repelling a bandit attack along a highway in Zamfara State on Thursday.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara, Mohammed Dalijan, confirmed the incident, explaining that the bandits had planned to target a construction company operating in the area.
According to Dalijan, the joint security forces, comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, had mobilized to the scene after receiving intelligence on the bandits’ plans.
However, the attackers had set an ambush and opened fire on the troops.
“The bandits had wanted to enter Setraco camp to abduct some staff of Setraco company. We had the information and sent our men, not knowing that they had laid ambush on the road,” Dalijan stated.
He noted that despite heavy resistance from the bandits, the troops fought valiantly in defense.
“As we approached, they opened fire, and in the exchange of gunfire, we unfortunately lost three soldiers and four police officers,” he added.
The commissioner praised the efforts of the security forces, despite the tragic loss, and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to combating banditry in the state.