Bandits kill 2, abduct 60 in reprisal attack over Zamfara kingpin killings

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - Banditry and armed violence have intensified across northwestern Nigeria, with multiple attacks reported in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, leaving dozens  dead, scores kidnapped, and communities devastated.

Daily Trust reported that in Zamfara State, bandits have launched a fresh wave of deadly assaults across Tsafe Local Government Area, killing at least two people and abducting over 60 others. The attacks are believed to be reprisals for the recent killing of top bandit warlords by security operatives, including Kachalla Yellow, also known as Dan Isuhu, who died in a failed ambush on the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards in Keta. He was killed alongside his nephew, the son of the notorious kingpin Adamu Aliero. Another unnamed bandit leader was reportedly eliminated in a separate operation around the same time.

In apparent retaliation, gunmen loyal to Aliero have intensified attacks. On Sunday, bandits struck Gidan Arne village, killing two residents and injuring another. About 40 women were abducted, and several homes set ablaze. That same day, Keta community suffered another assault in which one person was killed, 11 vehicles were torched, and shops looted.

Additional coordinated raids occurred in Yan Doton Daji and Unguwan Chida, where 21 people were kidnapped—11 in Yan Doton Daji and 10 near Kucheri town. A community leader said the dense forests around Tsafe have made the area a stronghold for kingpins like Aliero and Dogo Gide, allowing them to operate with impunity. Bandits have also imposed levies on farmers, threatening violence if they refuse to pay before harvesting crops.

Zamfara has seen relentless attacks over the past year. Last month, six members of the Community Protection Guards and four local vigilantes were killed in an ambush following a military-led operation in Sunke Forest. In October 2024, nine guards were ambushed and killed near Tsafe, and shortly afterward, their Director General, retired General Lawal B. Muhammad, was shot but survived. In February, dozens of worshippers were kidnapped during an attack on a mosque in the area.

Efforts to reach state security officials for comment on the recent surge in violence were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Commissioner for Internal Security, retired Captain Bala Mairiga, went unanswered. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he would revert after contacting the Divisional Police Officer in Tsafe, but no update was received.

In Sokoto State, suspected members of the Lakurawa armed group killed two fishermen and a farmer in Sanyinna village, Tangaza LGA. The attackers, riding motorcycles from a nearby forest, struck on Tuesday morning, killing Zubairu Kusugu, Aminu Ibrahim, and Salisu Dangwati. The incident followed similar attacks in Sutti and Takkau villages, where two others were wounded and livestock stolen. Garzali Raka, security aide to the Tangaza council chairman, confirmed the attacks. DSP Ahmed Rufai, the Sokoto Police Command spokesperson, also confirmed the killings and said the attackers would be brought to justice.

In Kebbi State, gunmen invaded the Istijaba Villa off-campus hostel of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi in Kalgo LGA, abducting a 400-level Economics student, Augustine Madubiya, and killing a local herder. The attack occurred early Tuesday while Augustine was sleeping outside due to heat. Another student, Collaneous Steven, escaped. The attackers assaulted students after demanding money and fled with Augustine. Malam Siddi Hussaini, a herder tending his cattle, was shot dead while trying to rescue the students.

Governor Nasir Idris has ordered immediate action by security agencies to ensure Augustine’s safe return. The state’s anti-terrorism unit is reportedly on the case. Police spokesperson CSP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed that a joint operation is underway, and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, has visited the scene.

These coordinated attacks underscore the deteriorating security situation across the region, with civilians caught in the crossfire of deepening criminal insurgencies.