Suspected armed bandits, allegedly affiliated with a notorious bandit leader, have ambushed a police convoy in Katsina State, killing two police personnel and carting away their service weapons.

Police sources said the attack occurred at about 5:50 p.m. on April 7, 2026, at Sabon Garin Garu village in Musawa Local Government Area.

The assailants, said to be in large numbers and riding on about 30 motorcycles, were reportedly affiliated with a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammadu.

They ambushed a vehicle conveying five personnel of the Police Mobile Force (27 PMF) who were travelling from Zamfara State through Katsina State.

A swift response by police tactical teams, including patrol units and community watch groups, led to a gun duel with the attackers, forcing them to retreat.

Three of the police personnel were rescued unhurt during the exchange of fire.

However, two personnel were killed in the attack. They were identified as Sgt. Bilyaminu Babangida and PC Abdulaziz Musa.

The attackers also carted away the officers’ service rifles and a riot gunner.

Police reinforcements from Dutsinma, Kankia, Matazu and Kankara were subsequently deployed to block escape routes, while cordon and search operations were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen arms.

Security authorities said efforts had been intensified to restore calm in the area and prevent further attacks along the axis. (Zagazola, excluding headline)