A police officer and three other travellers were kidnapped on Friday along the Gusau–Sokoto highway in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, adding to growing concerns over insecurity on major roads in the North-West.
The abduction happened at about 1:10 pm near Gidan Kano village when suspected bandits reportedly blocked the busy highway and stopped vehicles moving along the route. According to local sources, the gunmen forced four people out of their vehicle and took them away to an unknown location.
One of the victims has been identified as a serving police officer, PC Gaddafi Faruku. The identities of the other three abducted persons have not yet been made public, as their families are said to be awaiting further information. It was not immediately clear whether the victims were travelling together or in separate vehicles before they were seized.
Residents of the area said the attack caused panic among motorists, many of whom were stranded for hours as people avoided the road out of fear of further attacks. Some travellers reportedly turned back, while others sought safety in nearby villages.
The Gusau–Sokoto highway is a major road linking Zamfara State to Sokoto State and other parts of the North-West. It is widely used by traders, civil servants, security personnel, and commuters. In recent years, the road has become notorious for attacks by armed bandits, who often block highways to kidnap travellers for ransom.
Zamfara State has been one of the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s banditry crisis. Armed groups operating from forests such as Dansadau, Sububu, and other remote areas have carried out repeated attacks on villages and highways. These attacks often involve kidnapping, cattle rustling, and killings.
Despite several military operations and joint security efforts, residents say bandits continue to strike, especially on highways during daylight hours. Friday’s attack has once again raised questions about the safety of road users and the effectiveness of current security measures.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived suddenly and blocked the road near Gidan Kano village. They were reportedly armed with rifles and shot into the air to scare motorists. After stopping vehicles, they selected their victims and marched them into the bush.
“The bandits blocked the road and everyone was afraid,” a local resident said. “They took four people, including a police officer. After that, they disappeared into the forest.”
Sources said the abductors moved the victims quickly, making it difficult for anyone to follow them. The exact direction they took remains unclear, but the area is surrounded by thick forest, which has often provided hideouts for criminal groups.
Security agencies have confirmed that efforts are underway to locate the abducted victims and rescue them safely. A source within the security services said patrols have been intensified in the area, while intelligence teams are working to track the movements of the kidnappers.
Although the Zamfara State Police Command has not released an official statement as of the time of filing this report, security sources said the incident has been reported to relevant authorities. There are also indications that other security agencies, including the military, may be involved in the search operation.
In recent months, the federal and state governments have promised to strengthen security in Zamfara and other troubled states in the North-West. Measures announced include increased troop deployment, improved intelligence gathering, and cooperation with local vigilante groups.
The latest abduction has deepened fear among residents of Maradun Local Government Area and travellers who rely on the Gusau–Sokoto road. Many people now avoid travelling during certain hours, while others cancel trips entirely due to security concerns.
Commercial drivers, especially those involved in inter-state transport, say the situation is affecting their livelihood. “We are scared to use this road,” a driver said. “But this is how we survive. If we don’t travel, we don’t eat.”
Families of travellers are also living in fear, as news of kidnappings spreads quickly across communities. In many cases, victims are released only after families pay large sums of money as ransom, further worsening poverty in the region.
Banditry in Zamfara State has been linked to long-standing issues such as poverty, unemployment, illegal mining, and the spread of small arms. Over time, criminal groups have become more organised and violent, targeting both rural communities and major highways.
Successive governments have tried different approaches, including military operations, dialogue with bandit leaders, and restrictions on mining activities. While some of these efforts have recorded limited success, attacks continue in many parts of the state.
The kidnapping of a serving police officer has also raised concerns about the safety of security personnel themselves. Analysts say attacks on police and military officers show the boldness of bandit groups and the need for stronger action.
Following the latest incident, residents and community leaders have called on the government to take more decisive steps to secure highways and protect lives. Some have urged the authorities to increase permanent security presence along major roads, rather than relying on occasional patrols.
Others have called for better equipment and welfare for security personnel, as well as closer cooperation with local communities, who often have information about the movements of bandits.