Bandits

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has intensified its onslaught against banditry, recording major breakthroughs in clearance operations across Bauchi State, with troops overrunning key terrorist camps, capturing families of fleeing criminals, and destroying vital logistics in the Dajin Madam Forest.

In a statement issued today, the Army confirmed that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, working in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted a fierce clearance operation deep inside the forest. The operation led to the destruction of several bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps.

During the offensive, troops neutralized an unspecified number of bandits, while many others fled under heavy military pressure. In a significant development, security forces took into custody six women and thirteen children, family members of the bandits. Several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were destroyed, severely limiting their ability to launch further attacks.

A cache of items recovered from the camps includes one AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a pair of police uniform, multiple military uniforms, and two horses, items the Army said were indicative of the group’s criminal enterprise and attempts at impersonation.

“Troops are currently maintaining a firm hold position within the Dajin Madam Forest to consolidate the gains achieved and prevent any re-infiltration by fleeing bandits,” the statement read.

In a related follow-up clearance operation to Mainamaji, conducted after recent air strikes on bandit hideouts, troops made no contact with the enemy—a further indication that sustained military pressure has significantly degraded bandit presence and movement in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive until lasting peace and security are restored. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A student identified as Maryam, who was abducted by bandits several months ago while travelling to school, has regained her freedom after spending a long period in captivity.

Maryam was on her way from Zamfara State to Sokoto State, where she intended to continue her education, when armed attackers intercepted her and took her to an undisclosed location.

News of her release emerged on Wednesday through blogger D English Alhaji, who shared the update on social media. He confirmed that she is now safe and receiving care after her ordeal.

“We have Maryam with us now. Thank you, Nigerians. Maryam is finally free,” he said.

A video posted shortly after the announcement showed Maryam inside a vehicle as she was being taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

In the footage, she appeared weak and tired. She expressed gratitude to Nigerians who supported her during the period of her captivity.

Maryam appreciated members of the public for their prayers and encouragement. She said their support gave her strength and hope throughout the difficult experience.

Her release comes at a time when insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of Nigeria. Incidents of bandit attacks and kidnappings continue to affect states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Kwara.

Residents in the affected areas have continued to voice concern over the situation, as armed groups carry out attacks on communities, highways, schools and places of worship. Travellers, students and worshippers are often among those targeted.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a 25-year-old woman, Nafisa Usman, for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits operating in Katsina State.

The suspect was apprehended at a major motor park in Kano after purchasing a fresh batch of ammunition from Nasarawa State, intended for delivery to Kankara in Katsina State.

According to DSS sources, Usman, a native of Zango village in Kankara Local Government Area, was intercepted with 200 rounds of newly manufactured ammunition cleverly concealed inside bags of garri and rice.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed that she sourced the ammunition from Lafia, Nasarawa State, and transported it to Unguwa Uku Motor Park in Kano before arranging onward delivery to Katsina. She admitted that the ammunition was destined for bandits hiding in the Kankara forest.

Usman disclosed that she had been active in the illegal trade for only two months. She named an individual identified as “Teso,” who allegedly works with a soldier in Lafia, as her supplier.

She further revealed that she delivered ammunition to a bandit leader known as Mallam Haruna, operating within the Kankara forest. According to her, Haruna was introduced to her by a livestock trader named Sulaiman, based in Kano.

The suspect claimed to have conducted transactions worth approximately ₦5 million within two months, supplying ammunition not only to Haruna but also to other bandits identified as Buba and Abu, who are believed to be active in the same forest.

Expressing deep regret, Usman said her illicit activities had now been exposed. She is currently in DSS custody as investigations continue.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 150 suspected bandits reportedly drowned after a boat carrying them capsized in Sabon Gida, Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, revealed the incident in a post on X. He said the tragedy occurred on Saturday evening when the vessel, loaded with a large number of armed men, overturned while crossing a water body in the area.

According to Makama, the bandits were traveling in large numbers when the boat suddenly capsized, throwing everyone on board into the water.

“Preliminary information suggests that many of them could not swim, leading to heavy casualties,” he said.

He added that early reports indicate that none of the occupants survived the incident.

As of the time of this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming the event.

The incident has caused alarm in the area as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives have arrested two men suspected of supplying fuel to bandits who operate in parts of Bauchi State.

The arrest took place in neighbouring Gombe State during a security operation. Information about the incident appeared in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Thursday.

Makama said security personnel carried out the operation on Wednesday at about 4:30 a.m. Officers conducted a stop-and-search exercise along the Kashere–Futuk Road in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

He explained that the action followed intelligence about how armed groups in Bauchi obtain fuel from Gombe.

“The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that bandits terrorising parts of Bauchi were sourcing fuel from Gombe,” Makama wrote.

During the exercise, security operatives stopped a red-tinted Golf 3 vehicle with registration number GME 221 XA. The car carried 29 jerrycans filled with Premium Motor Spirit, also known as PMS.

Makama added that the driver managed to escape.

“The vehicle’s driver, 20-year-old Aliyu Usman from Futuk Village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi, reportedly fled the scene and escaped,” he wrote.

Two passengers inside the vehicle did not escape. Security agents arrested them at the scene. Authorities identified them as Bello Abdullahi, 52, and Sulaiman Musa, 40. Both men come from Futuk Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The suspects told investigators that they bought the fuel in Billiri town in Gombe State.

Police officers seized the vehicle and the 29 jerrycans as exhibits. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine whether the suspects supplied fuel to criminal groups.

Security agencies also continue efforts to capture the driver who escaped and to uncover other members of the suspected supply network.

By Anwar Usman

The family members of an abducted Corp member, identified as Abba, have claimed he has been killed by his kidnappers despite paying a ransom of N10million for his release.

According to reports, the family said communication with the kidnappers suddenly stopped after the ransom was paid, deepening fears that the corps member may have been murdered.

The Daily Reality gthered that the abductors had initially demanded N10million for his release but later made fresh demands after receiving the money.

According to them, the kidnappers also requested motorcycles in addition to the ransom already paid.

“Since receiving the N10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” the sources said, according to a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.

The family further revealed that it had decided not to comply with any further demands following the abrupt silence from the abductors.

As a result of that, the family said it had begun preparations to conduct funeral prayers for the corps member in absentia in accordance with the Islamic traditions.

They also expressed appreciation to individuals and groups who supported them during the ordeal.

“Abba’s family wishes to express profound gratitude to everyone who offered support, prayers, donations and kind words during this difficult period.

“May the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly,” the family added.

The relatives also said they  still hope that the corps member might be alive.

“If he has passed on, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” a family member said.

Recalled that, the deceased had earlier cried out for urgent help after terrorists locally dubbed as bandits subjected him to severe torture in captivity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Friday for a security briefing following renewed disturbances in parts of the state.

Governor Mohammed met with the President to provide updates on the security challenges facing several communities, particularly in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Speaking after the meeting, the governor said he highlighted “the disturbing activities of bandits in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi state, which requires a timely attention.” He emphasized that the situation demands urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of security in affected communities.

The discussions also touched on recent political developments, including the wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Mohammed acknowledged that elected officials have the constitutional right to join any political party. He, however, affirmed his decision to remain in the PDP despite the shifting political landscape.

Media reports in recent months have documented repeated bandit attacks in parts of Bauchi State, especially in Alkaleri and other border communities. Villages have experienced killings, abductions, and mass displacement of residents.

Local populations have raised concerns over the frequency of these attacks and have called for a stronger security presence to protect lives and property. Security agencies have reportedly deployed personnel to affected areas as part of ongoing efforts to contain the violence and restore stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A social media activist, Adamu Bello Karofi, has called on the Bauchi State Governor to take urgent measures to curb the rising wave of killings, kidnappings, and banditry in the state.

In a post on his Facebook page, Karofi advised the governor to provide local communities with firearms similar to those used by bandits, specifically citing AK-47 and AK-49 rifles.

He suggested that young people in affected towns should receive weapons training and be armed.

Karofi expressed concern over what he described as the Nigerian government’s failure to protect lives and property.

“Everyone can see how bandits have overpowered most states in the Northwest. We fear the same will happen in our Bauchi State,” he wrote.

He argued that the only deterrent against banditry is armed citizens. “Bandits only understand weapons. If townspeople are armed, there will be peace, because what the West calls a ‘balance of power’ will be restored,” Karofi added.

The activist concluded his post by praying that the governor would heed his advice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Gwana District in Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State, have abandoned their homes and belongings as insecurity in the community intensifies.

Families are fleeing the area in large numbers, seeking safety in neighbouring states, leaving the settlement nearly deserted.

Pictures that have gone viral on social media show people hurriedly packing their belongings, loading household items onto vehicles and motorcycles, and preparing to leave the community amid palpable fear.

Witnesses state that repeated attacks and constant threats have made it impossible for residents to go about their daily activities. Some residents said the situation has become unbearable, with many unable to sleep peacefully at night.

“The absence of an adequate security presence has emboldened criminal elements, leaving villagers vulnerable to further attacks,” one local resident said.

The mass displacement has also disrupted farming and other economic activities. Many residents have left behind farmlands, livestock, and personal property, relocating to safer communities or seeking refuge with relatives in neighbouring states.

Authorities in Bauchi State had not issued any official statement on the situation in Alkaleri at the time this report was filed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly killed more than 30 people in Dutsin Dan Ajiya village, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Residents said the attackers stormed the community on Thursday night. They arrived on motorcycles after sealing off entry and exit routes. The assailants then attacked the village and targeted residents.

Witnesses disclosed that the gunmen fired repeatedly and moved from house to house without resistance for several hours.

A resident confirmed that about 30 bodies had been recovered as of Friday morning. Several persons were still missing at the time of filing this report.

“The attack resulted in the death of at least 30 residents, both men and women. Many were wounded, and several others were abducted during the raid,” he said.

Zamfara State and other parts of the North-West region have continued to witness violent attacks linked to bandit groups. The criminals have carried out killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property over the years despite repeated security operations.

Amid the persistent insecurity, the Zamfara State Government allocated N1 billion in its 2026 approved budget for the construction of cemeteries across the 14 local government areas. The provision falls under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Earlier this month, bandits ambushed travellers returning from Maga Market to Kyaram community in Bukkuyyum Local Government Area. At least five people lost their lives during that attack, while several others could not be accounted for.

In another incident reported on January 31, at least four residents of Gwargwaba village in Nahuce District of Bungudu Local Government Area were killed after armed men invaded the area on January 29, 2025. Houses were set ablaze during the assault.

Security alert platform Bakatsine confirmed that four villagers were burned to death inside their homes during the raid.

The repeated attacks have sparked public anger across the state. In July 2025, residents from more than 30 communities in Gusau Local Government Area staged a protest over what they described as constant killings and abductions.

The demonstrators carried placards with messages that read: “We, the people of about 30 communities of Gusau 11, need peace and want to be rescued from bandits,” and “Peace is our concern as we are being killed every day. End banditry in Mada, Lilo, Ruwan Bore, Fegin Baza, Bangi, others.”

Protesters stated that fear of attacks had forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands during the rainy season. They also accused the attackers of looting food supplies and destroying property.

A previous review of the Zamfara State budget document also showed plans to spend N2.5 billion on the purchase of 50 vehicles in 2025. Records indicated that N13.114 billion had already been expended between January and October 2024 for the same purpose.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack at the time of this report.