Gunmen Attack Market Convoy in Nigeria’s Zamfara State, Killing at Least 20

Gunmen ambush traders heading to market in Zamfara, killing 20. Violence continues in northwestern Nigeria.

October 12, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Gusa, Nigeria — Gunmen launched a deadly ambush on a group of traders traveling to a local market under military protection in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara state, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to a witness and a military source.

The attack occurred around 2 p.m. on Saturday as the convoy made its way to Nasarawa market in Bukkuyum district, as reported by local resident Musa Danladi to Reuters. The incident highlights the ongoing security crisis in the region, where armed groups have long targeted both civilians and security personnel.

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Regional officials attributed the violence to gangs that have terrorized Zamfara for years, with attacks continuing to escalate in recent weeks. These groups are known for kidnapping residents, stealing livestock, and attacking villages, further deepening the instability in northwest and central Nigeria.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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