At least 30 people were killed on Sunday evening after bandits ambushed travellers along the Magami–Dansadau highway in Zamfara State in one of the deadliest attacks recorded on the route this year.

The spokesman for the Zamfara Community Protection Guard, Malam Abubakar Gummi, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying the attackers opened fire on motorists and commuters travelling between Magami and Gusau in a coordinated assault.

According to Gummi, those killed included 21 civilians, eight local hunters, and one member of the community protection guard.

He said security operatives and local guards responded to the attack and engaged the bandits in a gun battle shortly after the ambush.

Gummi added that several of the attackers were neutralised during the exchange, although he did not provide a specific casualty figure.

The Magami–Dansadau highway has remained a major security hotspot in Zamfara South, with repeated attacks targeting travellers, traders, and farmers despite ongoing military operations in the area.

The road serves as a key link between rural communities and Gusau, the state capital, making it an important but increasingly dangerous route for residents and commercial activities.

Security sources said the bodies of the victims had been recovered and deposited at nearby health facilities, while injured survivors were receiving medical treatment.

As of the time of filing this report, the Zamfara State Government had not issued an official statement on the attack.