At least eight security personnel have been killed after armed attackers ambushed a police convoy in Zamfara State, in another deadly incident highlighting the continuing security challenges confronting Nigeria’s North-West region.

The victims reportedly comprised five police officers and three members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard, a state-backed security outfit established to support efforts against banditry and kidnapping.

The attack occurred near Gidan-Giye village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, according to local security officials who spoke to Reuters.

A member of the community protection outfit, Abubakar Isa, said the attackers opened fire on a 15-seater bus conveying the security personnel, destroying the vehicle during the assault.

The commandant of the vigilante group, Lawal Haruna, also confirmed that three members of the outfit were among those killed.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that five police officers died in the incident, while seven other officers were rescued alive and unhurt.

Two additional officers who sustained gunshot injuries were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.

The police said the affected personnel were travelling to Zamfara State for a special assignment connected to security arrangements for the All Progressives Congress rerun primary election.

The force also disclosed that the attackers escaped with five service AK-47 rifles belonging to the police personnel.

Following the incident, tactical search and rescue teams comprising officers from the Violent Crime Response Unit and Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed to the area to locate the attackers, recover the stolen firearms and search for any personnel who might still be missing.

However, reports concerning the possible abduction of some security personnel have not been fully confirmed by the police.

The attack comes amid persistent violence in Zamfara and neighbouring states, where armed groups have continued to carry out kidnappings, attacks on communities and assaults on security formations.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety of security personnel operating in areas affected by banditry and the growing challenges confronting efforts to restore stability in the region.

Sources: Reuters, TheCable and Punch News.