Bandits Kill 2 and Kidnap 60 in Zamfara as Retaliation for the Killing of Their Leaders.

Banditry and armed violence have escalated in northwestern Nigeria, with several attacks reported across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, resulting in numerous deaths, many kidnappings, and widespread devastation in local communities.

In Zamfara State, bandits have launched a new series of deadly attacks in Tsafe Local Government Area, killing at least two people and abducting over 60 others. These assaults are believed to be retaliations for the recent killings of prominent bandit leaders by security forces, including Kachalla Yellow, also known as Dan Isuhu. He was killed in a failed ambush against the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards in Keta, alongside his nephew, the son of notorious bandit leader Adamu Aliero. Another bandit leader was also reportedly killed in a separate operation around the same time.

In apparent retaliation, gunmen loyal to Aliero have escalated their attacks. On Sunday, bandits targeted Gidan Arne village, killing two residents and injuring another. Around 40 women were abducted, and numerous homes were set on fire. On the same day, the Keta community was hit with another assault, resulting in one death, the destruction of 11 vehicles, and the looting of several shops.

Additional coordinated raids took place 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 stated that the dense forests surrounding Tsafe have become a stronghold for notorious bandit leaders like Aliero and Dogo Gide, allowing them to operate with little interference. Bandits have also begun imposing levies on farmers, threatening violence if they refuse to pay before harvesting their crops.

Zamfara has endured continuous 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 assault on a mosque in the area.

Efforts to contact state security officials for comment on the recent wave of 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, mentioned he would provide an update after consulting with the Divisional Police Officer in Tsafe, but no further information was received.

In Sokoto State, suspected members of the Lakurawa armed group killed two fishermen and a farmer in Sanyinna village, Tangaza Local Government Area. The attackers, riding motorcycles from a nearby forest, carried out the assault on Tuesday morning, killing Zubairu Kusugu, Aminu Ibrahim, and Salisu Dangwati. This attack followed similar incidents in Sutti and Takkau villages, where two others were injured, and livestock were stolen. Garzali Raka, a security aide to the Tangaza council chairman, confirmed the attacks. DSP Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto Police Command, also verified the killings and assured that the attackers would be brought to justice.

In Kebbi State, gunmen raided the Istijaba Villa off-campus hostel of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi in Kalgo Local Government Area, kidnapping a 400-level Economics student, Augustine Madubiya, and killing a local herder. The attack took place early Tuesday while Augustine was sleeping outside to escape the heat. Another student, Collaneous Steven, managed to escape. The attackers demanded money from the students, assaulted them, and fled with Augustine. Malam Siddi Hussaini, a herder tending his cattle, was shot and killed while attempting to rescue the students.

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

These coordinated attacks highlight the worsening security situation across the region, with civilians increasingly caught in the crossfire of growing criminal insurgencies.