January 3, 2026 | Tsafe, Zamfara State, Nigeria
In a terrifying incident highlighting the worsening insecurity across Zamfara State, armed bandits on Friday targeted commuters along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe Local Government Area, burning two vehicles and abducting all passengers aboard.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers deliberately blocked the road before launching their assault, leaving passengers with no chance to escape. The bandits reportedly set the vehicles ablaze after forcibly removing the occupants, who remain missing as of Saturday, sparking widespread panic in surrounding communities.
Security monitoring platform Bakatsine confirmed the attack, noting that it underscores the persistent dangers facing travellers on major highways in the state. The platform also warned that such attacks are becoming increasingly frequent, posing serious risks to commerce, transportation, and the general safety of residents.
This latest incident comes just days after a deadly Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast along the Gusau–Magami–Dansadau axis claimed at least eight lives, destroyed property, and caused massive disruption for commuters. Following the explosion, Nigerian security forces launched an emergency clearance operation to ensure the highway was safe for public use.
The clearance, conducted under the directive of Zamfara State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, brought together specialised Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from both the Police and Military, along with the Joint Task Force operating under Operation Fansa-Yamma. Armed security personnel provided cover throughout the exercise, combing the road for potential hidden explosives.
Despite these efforts, Friday’s attack demonstrates that insurgents continue to exploit gaps in security along strategic roads, putting residents and travellers at constant risk. Local authorities have urged commuters to exercise extreme caution, avoid travelling at night, and report any suspicious activities along major highways.
Residents of Tsafe and neighbouring communities expressed deep concern over the frequency of such attacks, lamenting that “even cleared highways are no longer safe.” Many called on the federal and state governments to urgently increase military patrols and implement stronger protective measures for travellers.
SUNTV Global will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information emerges about the fate of the kidnapped passengers and the response of security agencies.
