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.
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