Suspected bandits open fire on Zamfara governor’s chief of staff convoy

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Thursday opened fire on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to the Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Mouktar Lugga, along the Funtua–Gusau highway, sparking fresh concerns about insecurity on one of the region’s most dangerous routes.

The attack occurred in the evening as Lugga was reportedly returning to Gusau after attending an official engagement.

Security sources said the suspected bandits suddenly emerged from both sides of the road and began shooting at the vehicle conveying the chief of staff.

Despite the intensity of the ambush, Lugga and other occupants of the vehicle escaped unharmed.

The attackers reportedly fired several rounds at the vehicle, with one bullet piercing the windshield and narrowly missing the driver.

The convoy had four occupants inside the vehicle at the time of the attack, including Lugga, his driver, and two other aides.

In the chaos that followed, the driver managed to keep control of the vehicle and sped away from the attackers, successfully escaping the ambush and continuing the journey toward Gusau.

Sources familiar with the incident said one of the assailants attempted to fire at close range during the attack but the weapon reportedly malfunctioned, allowing the occupants of the vehicle to flee the scene.

Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests in connection with the incident.

The attack highlights the persistent security challenges facing communities and travellers in Zamfara State, where armed criminal groups commonly referred to as bandits have continued to target highways, rural settlements, and travellers.

The Funtua–Gusau highway has long been considered a high-risk route due to frequent ambushes and kidnappings carried out by armed groups operating in the area.

Over the past few years, several communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states have been affected by attacks, cattle rustling, and mass abductions attributed to bandit groups.

Security agencies have repeatedly launched operations to curb the activities of these groups, but attacks on roads and rural communities have continued to pose a major challenge.

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Thursday’s ambush involving the convoy of a senior government official underscores the ongoing threat posed by bandits in the region and the risks faced by travellers moving through parts of northwestern Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, officials have not issued a detailed statement on the attack, but investigations are expected to be launched to track down the perpetrators.