At least eight security personnel have been killed after suspected bandits ambushed a police convoy in Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria, according to local vigilante officials.
The attack occurred along a highway linking Zamfara and neighbouring Sokoto State as the security personnel travelled to provide security for an All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in the Zamfara North district.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the vehicle carrying the officers, killing several personnel and abducting others. Local officials said the assault took place near Gidan Kano, an area that has experienced repeated attacks by armed groups.
Earlier reports had put the number of police officers killed at five, with Nigerian media also reporting that some personnel were abducted. The latest information from local vigilante sources cited by Reuters raised the confirmed reported death toll to at least eight.
The police personnel had reportedly been deployed from neighbouring Sokoto State for the special security assignment linked to the APC primary. Zamfara State Police spokesman Yazid Abubakar confirmed that officers from Sokoto had been sent to the state but did not provide a detailed casualty figure.
Reports said some surviving officers were taken into the surrounding bush by the attackers, while others were reportedly injured. The exact number of personnel abducted remains unclear.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security situation along the Sokoto–Gusau corridor, where armed groups have continued to carry out kidnappings and attacks on travellers, communities and security personnel.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue and efforts are made to establish the whereabouts of those reportedly abducted.