Bandits

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A notorious bandit leader known as Shekau, operating around the Narewo River bank in Kachia Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, was ambushed and killed by a rival faction led by bandit leader Shumo.

The attack, carried out on March 5, 2025, was in retaliation for a previous assault by Shekau, who had reportedly seized Shumo’s weapons and killed several of his fighters.

Intelligence sources revealed that Shekau and some of his lieutenants were killed during the ambush.

The deceased bandits were later buried by individuals identified as Yellow Million, Baba Kusa, and an imam from Kabode village in Kachia LGA.

While bandit activities in Kaduna have significantly decreased due to the non-kinetic efforts of the state government and security agencies, ongoing rivalries among bandit factions have intensified, leading to multiple casualties in recent times.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Armed bandits in Niger State, Nigeria, have launched a daring raid, impersonating officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The criminals targeted the White Hill Hotel, located in the Chanchaga Local Government Area, where they abducted ten individuals.

Reports indicate that the assailants, disguised in EFCC uniforms, disabled the hotel’s CCTV surveillance system before storming the building.

They then proceeded to forcibly take the ten people from their rooms.

The state police command has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Authorities are working to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bandits have placed N540 million ransom on the victims abducted from a General Hospital in Kankara local government area of Katsina State.

The attack on the hospital left a medical doctor and one other with gunshot injuries.

The medical doctor, Dr Murtala Sale Dandashire had sustained gunshot injury when bandits attacked the hospital, Tuesday, during which some staff members were kidnapped.

Yusuf Muhammad Mairuwa, an Assistant Director of Nursing Services and head of the nursing section of the hospital, is one of the kidnapped victims.

A source told Daily Reality that, the attackers had demanded a ransom of N270 million for the release of the nurse.

The bandits have also demanded another sum of N270 million for the other hospital staff and some staff of a fertilizer factory kidnapped close to the hospital during the attack.

Earlier, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State condemned the hospital attack, assuring of his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety and security of the health workers.

He stated that though the state had made noticeable progress in reducing such attacks, the incident reminded them that their mission was not complete.

He assured that the government would implement additional security measures, including enhanced personnel presence at healthcare facilities throughout the state.

According to the Governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, “We are restrategising our security approach to ensure that our medical professionals can perform their vital duties without fear.

“The safety of our healthcare workers and residents remains our paramount concern.”

By Uzair Adam

Katsina State police operatives successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt by bandits on Sunday evening, rescuing 14 individuals and neutralizing one attacker.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:55 PM in Dan’arau village, located in the Magama-Jibia area of Jibia Local Government Area.

Armed bandits, wielding dangerous weapons, ambushed two commercial vehicles, aiming to kidnap the passengers.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, police officers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

The timely intervention led to the rescue of 14 hostages, while one of the assailants was fatally wounded.

Unfortunately, two victims sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but one succumbed to their injuries.

The state police command has commended the bravery of its officers and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the successful elimination of several bandits during airstrikes in Babban Kauye village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on November 15.  

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, disclosed that the operation, under the framework of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted a large assembly of bandits in the area. 

The airstrikes, part of Operation Farautar Mujiya, were aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of notorious bandit factions in Northwestern Nigeria.  

Akinboyewa noted that intelligence reports had revealed the bandits were planning coordinated attacks on military personnel and civilians in the Tsafe axis. 

Acting on this information, NAF executed a series of airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties among the bandits, including key loyalists of infamous leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.  

“Reports from the ground confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of these groups, delivering a severe blow to their operations,” he said.  

Tsafe Local Government Area has long been a hotspot for bandit activities, with Babban Kauye serving as a strategic safe haven for their operations. 

The recent airstrikes are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit networks and restore peace to the region.  

Air Commodore Akinboyewa reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to eliminate threats posed by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements across the country.  

The air component of Operation Fansan Yamma continues to intensify efforts to secure the Northwest and ensure the safety of its residents.

By Anwar Usman 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara Command, has dismissed an officer, Maikano Sarkin-Tasha, for allegedly collaborating with bandits to supply hard drugs and ammunition. 

The State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, disclosed this on Saturday during a news briefing in Gusau. Mr. Mustapha said the command was shocked by the news of the arrest of its officer, allegedly for supplying ammunition and hard drugs to bandits in Zamfara. 

“According to our findings, the officer was arrested at a checkpoint, between Damba and Sabon Gida axis, while on transit to his hometown, Mada village of Gusau Local Government Area. 

“He was allegedly found with some elements suspected to be cannabis and other hard drugs in possession.”Other items found on him were three armour of G3 rifles and one armour of anti-rocket launcher. 

“I wish to make it clear that, the Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, who also received the news with shock and disappointment has condemned the alleged barbaric behaviour of the officer. 

“He has directed me to take necessary administrative actions, including immediate dismissal of the personnel from the Corps’ nominal roll.” 

Mr. Mustapha further explained that, the command has zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, criminality, or any vices unbecoming of an officer of the corps. 

“In the spirit of inter-agency relationship and synergy, I will interface with the Commissioner of Police for further necessary actions. 

“This is with the view to transferring the officer to the corps’ national headquarters, Abuja, for internal disciplinary action and prosecution”.  

Mr. Mustapha added that NSCDC was poised to work with other security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality in the state. 

He pledged to pursue the case with utmost transparency, saying, the corps does not condone any act of indiscipline, not to talk of banditry or terrorism allegations.

By Uzair Adam

The military high command has vowed to bring Bello Turji, one of the notorious bandit leaders terrorizing Zamfara State and parts of the Northwest, to justice for his crimes against humanity.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, stated during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja that the military is determined to put an end to the levies being imposed by Turji and other terrorists on farmers.

He assured Nigerians that the days of the bandit leader are numbered, urging citizens to support the military’s efforts to restore peace.Gen.

Musa revealed that despite the bandits’ attempts to disrupt the lives of farmers, the military is working tirelessly to end these atrocities.

He also warned communities against supporting or providing information to the bandits, as doing so only prolongs the conflict.This declaration follows a recent visit by Gen.

Musa and other service chiefs to Sokoto, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, to intensify the fight against insurgency in the region.

The Chief of Defence urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to collaborate with security forces to ensure the success of ongoing military operations.

By Uzair Adam  

Residents of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, affected by ongoing security challenges, have reported that terrorists are compelling locals to work on their farms.  

In an interview with Daily Trust, the residents recounted how the bandits are forcing the locals into hard labour on their farms.  

It was gathered that a terrorist leader reportedly seized over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and nearby communities this year. 

During an emergency media briefing in Minna, Saidu Salihu, the Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, called for the re-deployment of military forces to Allawa and surrounding areas.  

This, he said, would allow displaced residents to return to their farms.  Salihu explained that various terrorist groups have controlled these communities since soldiers withdrew from the area three months ago.  

He urged both federal and state governments to support local vigilante groups to protect the affected residents. 

He also requested compensation for those displaced and who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the continued attacks. Salihu also revealed that bandits have initiated negotiations with the local communities to facilitate their return.  

However, both the federal and state governments have not responded to these developments.

Abdullah Suleiman Erena, another resident, noted that insecurity in the area extends beyond banditry, involving groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru.  

He warned that if the government does not act urgently, these groups could create a more entrenched terrorist presence in the region. 

He described the situation as a growing terrorist ecosystem, noting how these groups force locals to farm and sell their produce on their behalf.  

Erena also highlighted the proximity of Shiroro to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which puts the FCT at increased risk. 

Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki expressed disappointment with the state government’s response, stressing the need for more decisive action.  

Also, Babangida Kudodo of the Lakpma Youth Forum mentioned that previous reports to the state government had led to little or no action, allowing the situation to worsen. 

Both men called for immediate steps to be taken to dislodge the terrorists from Shiroro LGA and protect the affected communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three Nigerian soldiers have released a video message challenging Bello Turji Kachalla, a notorious bandit leader, to emerge from hiding and face them.

The soldiers expressed frustration over the lack of action from higher authorities to apprehend Turji Kachalla, who has been responsible for a string of devastating attacks across northern Nigeria. 

The soldiers directly addressed Turji Kachalla, saying, “Since we have not received orders to come after you, we invite you to come out of hiding and face us. Let’s see what happens.” 

They taunted Turji Kachalla, saying, “Prove your courage, Bello Turji. If you’re a real man, come out and face us.” 

Condemning Turji’s actions, the soldiers said, “For the sake of Allah, stop kidnapping and killing innocent civilians. They are not your enemies.

“We eliminated Boko Haram in Maiduguri without even knowing what a soldier or a gun was. Now that we’re trained soldiers, you don’t stand a chance, Bello Turji. You’re just a madman.

“You have a gun, but so do we. Come out of hiding and face us. If you’re not man enough to face us, then leave innocent civilians alone.”

https://x.com/jrnaib2/status/1831037714508251247

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised concerns that bandits are now abducting and killing Nigerians, believing they are serving God.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi reacted to the recent seizure of Mines Resistant Armour personnel (MRAPs) by bandits, led by notorious kingpin Bello Turji. 

Gumi stated that the bandits were initially fighting an “ethnic war that could easily be resolved” but warned against intensifying the kinetic approach, which he believes has led to their radicalization.

“I warned if the kinetic approach is intensified they will turn into ideologically motivated guerrilla warfare. Nobody listened,” he said. 

The cleric noted that the bandits now commit the same crimes, but with a twisted belief that they are serving God. “The picture is gloomy,” Gumi concluded. His warning comes as a video from 2023 resurfaced, showing bandits jubilating after setting the seized MRAPs on fire.