9 vigilantes killed in bandit ambush

At least nine members of a local vigilante group, known as Askarawa, were killed on Saturday in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State after being ambushed by bandits on their way back from a successful joint operation with security forces.

Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported that intelligence sources confirmed the vigilantes had earlier engaged heavily armed bandits in a forest battle alongside security personnel, securing a major victory.

However, while returning from the operation, the group was ambushed by another set of bandits, resulting in multiple fatalities.

The Community Protection Guards, a state-backed security outfit established by Governor Dauda Lawal to support conventional security agencies, includes the vigilantes among its ranks.

Residents and community leaders have expressed profound grief over the attack, extending condolences to the families of the slain operatives. They also praised the courage and dedication of the vigilantes in the ongoing fight against insecurity in Zamfara State.