At least 22 people, including four security personnel, were killed after gunmen ambushed a convoy of traders travelling under security escort in northwestern Nigeria's Zamfara State.

According to local authorities, the attack took place early Sunday near Gurusu village along a route connecting the Gwashi–Nasarawa road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

Hamisu Faru, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, said the victims were travelling in a convoy to a weekly market when they came under heavy gunfire from armed assailants.

Local media reported that at least 22 people were killed in the ambush, including four members of the security forces assigned to protect the convoy.

Authorities have not yet announced whether any of the attackers were apprehended, while security forces have reportedly launched efforts to track down those responsible.

Zamfara remains one of Nigeria's most volatile states, where heavily armed criminal groups frequently target villages, motorists, traders and farmers. Because of repeated attacks on major roads, traders travelling to weekly markets are often escorted by security personnel in organised convoys.

The latest attack underscores the continuing security challenges facing northwestern Nigeria despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing armed banditry in the region.(ILKHA)