Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Samaila Sule, and five other residents during an attack on Farin Ruwa village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Several villagers were also abducted during the assault, which residents said happened on January 5.

According to community sources, the attackers stormed the village in large numbers, overwhelming security personnel stationed in the area.

Heavy gunfire reportedly rang through the community for several minutes, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

Sule’s body was later discovered at the scene after the attackers withdrew. The remains of five villagers were also recovered.

During the attack, the gunmen reportedly made away with Sule’s AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition.

The killing adds to growing concerns over worsening insecurity across rural Zamfara communities, where armed groups continue to operate with deadly ease.

In October 2025, at least 73 residents from two villages in Bukkuyum Local Government Area were abducted during coordinated night raids, according to security reports.

Despite ongoing military operations and security deployments, Zamfara remains one of the most affected states in the North-West.

Communities continue to face recurring attacks, kidnappings, and displacement, raising fresh questions about the effectiveness of these ongoing current security measures.