Six operatives of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG) popularly known as Askarawa and four local vigilantes were reportedly killed in an ambush by bandits in Anka Local Government Area on Saturday.

According to sources, the operatives were returning from a successful joint operation led by the Nigerian Army, which resulted in the killing of several bandits.

However, as they made their way back, they were ambushed by some recalcitrant bandits, leading to the tragic loss of ten lives.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, confirmed the killing of security operatives in the ambush.

In a statement written in the Hausa language on his verified Facebook page, the governor disclosed that the victims were part of a team that had conducted an operation alongside military personnel in Anka before they were attacked around Bagega axis.

Governor Lawal further revealed that six members of the Community Protection Guards (CPGs) and four local vigilantes also known as “Yan Sakai” lost their lives in the ambush.

He added that three persons are still missing including two members of the community Protection Guards and one local vigilante.

“I got information that gunmen ambushed some Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG) in Anka Local Government. The incident occurred yesterday when security forces and the State Community Protection Guards (CPG) led by the Nigerian Army attacked the hideouts of the bandits and successful neutralized several bandits and recovered their weapons,” he stated.

“The information made available to me that on their way back that when the bandits ambushed them at Bagega and open fire on them killing six Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) and four Yansakai which their burial was conducted Sunday’s morning.

“There are three people that are missing among them, which two are CPG members while one Yansakai. When I learned of the incident, I gave a directive that immediate medical assistance should be offered to the injured persons while the families of those who loss their lives be provided immediate relief materials.

“I prayed that accept the souls of those who paid the Supreme sacrifice in order to protect their communities. May God comfort their families. I prayed God to end the security challenge in Zamfara State, North and Nigeria as a whole.”

Zamfara is one of the states in the North-West and North-Central regions that is worst hit by banditry.

While several lives have been lost, many have been displaced as the bandits keep wreaking havoc in communities.

Despite efforts of security operatives, they continue to launch attacks. (Channels TV)