Bandits

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tension has gripped parts of Kwara State after suspected bandits issued a notice of planned attacks on three communities in Oyun Local Government Area.

The communities listed in the threat message are Ira, Inaja and Aho. All are located within the same local government area. The warning was contained in a letter reportedly dropped at the Ira market square and later discovered by residents.

Sources said the message was signed by a group that identified itself as the Nigeria Terrorists Association (NTA). The development has sparked fear across the affected communities. Security agencies have also stepped up readiness in response to the threat.

According to details contained in the letter, members of the group claimed they had moved from Kaiama in Kwara North Senatorial District to Oyun Local Government Area in the southern part of the state. The message warned that “they shall be coming to attack Ira town, Inaja and Aho village anytime soon.”

A security source disclosed that troops stationed at the Nigerian Army Forward Operation Base in Ilemona have intensified patrol activities across the vulnerable areas. Other security formations have also increased surveillance.

The latest alert followed a recent confrontation between security operatives and armed bandits in Share, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Sunday.

Security forces repelled the assault after about one hour of gunfire exchange. No casualty or abduction was recorded in the encounter.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists have killed 36 people and destroyed over 50 houses in a three-hour rampage on two communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attack, which targeted Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages in Konkoso Ward, has left the communities deserted as all women and children have fled for safety.

According to local sources, the death toll rose from 26 on Saturday to 36 by Sunday morning as more bodies were recovered from surrounding bushes. Several residents remain unaccounted for.

“As of this morning, we have recovered 36 bodies, some of them from the nearby bushes. Many people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they were taken away by the terrorists or not,” said Musa, a community source from Tungan Makeri.

The attackers, who operated freely for over three hours, slaughtered residents and set buildings ablaze without encountering any resistance. Tungan Makeri bore the brunt of the assault, with more than 50 houses either destroyed or burnt down.

“We have been burying our dead since yesterday. All the women and children have left. No security agent has visited the communities since the attack began,” Musa lamented.

As of Sunday afternoon, neither the state government nor the police had issued any statement regarding the massacre. Multiple attempts to reach the Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mallam Nasiru Mohammed, proved unsuccessful.

The Borgu kingdom, encompassing Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, has witnessed escalating terrorist violence in recent months. The region has seen scores killed, many abducted, and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Notable previous incidents include the abduction of over 300 students from Papiri Missionary School in Agwara Local Government last November. Unconfirmed reports suggest over ₦1 billion in ransom was paid for their release after one month in captivity.

In January, terrorists also razed a cattle market in Kasunwa Deji, killing seven people and stealing numerous cattle.

Concerned political and traditional leaders in the kingdom have urgently appealed to the Federal Government to deploy security agents and establish a military base in the area.

Speaking to journalists, the leaders described the situation as “not only worrisome but scary,” noting that the entire Borgu kingdom has been under siege for the past three months.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have abducted the wives and daughters of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), during an attack on Digare town in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident occurred on Saturday night. The assailants reportedly invaded the cleric’s residence under the cover of darkness and took several victims away to an undisclosed location. Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of those kidnapped.

Residents said the attack has heightened fear across the community. Many people have remained indoors, while movement within the town has reduced sharply due to safety concerns. Witnesses added that women and children were among those abducted. Neighbours described the operation as chaotic, noting that the gunmen fled immediately after seizing their victims.

Security analyst Bakatsine spoke on the development, stressing the implications for security in the area.

He said, “The attack on the residence of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare is a clear indication of the growing audacity of criminal gangs in the region. Such acts are designed to instil fear and demonstrate the weakness of local security arrangements.”

He also warned about the broader social impact of targeting religious leaders.

According to him, “Abductions targeting prominent religious leaders are particularly alarming because they can destabilise communal trust and provoke tensions within the community.”

Bakatsine called for urgent government intervention to curb the trend.

He said, “Authorities need to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent further escalation. This incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated security strategies in Bauchi and surrounding states.”

The latest raid adds to a string of violent incidents recorded in parts of Bauchi State in recent times. Communities across the state have reported kidnappings, armed robberies, and other attacks, which continue to raise concerns about public safety.

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 17 Brigade, Katsina, have recovered 529 rustled livestock following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of the state.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Capt. Abayomi Adisa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to him, the operation was carried out by troops of the Forward Operating Base, Malumfashi, after credible intelligence revealed terrorist activities around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur LGA.

He said the operation, conducted on February 7, 2026, was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lt. Col. M. M. Isa, and targeted terrorists believed to have infiltrated Katsina from neighbouring Zamfara State.

Adisa added that the criminals were allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, said to be a younger brother of notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero.

He explained that the terrorists opened fire upon sighting the advancing troops, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

However, the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby bushes while abandoning part of the stolen livestock.

“The troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and caught up with the fleeing terrorists between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi LGA, where the criminals were forced to abandon all the remaining rustled animals,” he said.

After a thorough sweep of the area, the troops recovered 529 animals, comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep and one donkey, as well as one motorcycle.

Adisa noted that 14 cows were killed during the exchange of fire after the terrorists allegedly used them as shields.

He stressed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation, describing their conduct as professional and effective.

The recovered animals, he said, were handed over to relevant authorities for identification and eventual return to their rightful owners, under the supervision of the Chairman of Kafur LGA, Suraju Nature, and the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu.

Adisa further disclosed that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen.

Paul Koughna, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, while reassuring residents of sustained military operations against criminal elements in the area.

He added that troops of FOB Malumfashi have continued aggressive patrols to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure lasting security in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed at least three residents and abducted several others, including a Catholic priest, during a predawn raid on Karku village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday and threw the community into grief amid growing concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

A family member of one of the victims, who spoke in a distress message from the village, said the attackers stormed the area suddenly and opened fire on residents. He stated, “The bandits entered our village around 3:20 a.m. and started shooting. People were running in different directions.”

He explained that local vigilantes mobilised and went after the assailants, which led to an exchange of gunfire. According to him, “When the vigilantes intercepted them, there was a gun battle. Six people were killed during the encounter, including two security personnel.” He added that some members of the vigilante group could not be accounted for after the clash. “As I am speaking to you now, three of our vigilantes have not returned. We don’t know their whereabouts,” he said.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the assault and the abduction of the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, alongside 10 parishioners. In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, said, “It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the abduction of our priest, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, and 10 other parishioners.”

The Diocese identified those killed as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. It added, “Among those killed in the attack are Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. We condemn this act of violence in strong terms.”

The attack has heightened tension across Southern Kaduna, an area that has witnessed repeated assaults on rural settlements and places of worship. Residents have continued to decry what they describe as insufficient security deployment and slow response during emergencies.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kaduna State Government nor security agencies had released an official statement, while community members urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen protection in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Doma community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into renewed fear after armed bandits carried out a fresh attack on the area, despite a peace and surrender agreement earlier reached between local authorities and armed groups operating there.

It was gathered on Tuesday that the attackers arrived in Doma in large numbers, opened fire on residents, and set several houses and vehicles on fire.

According to a report by an online Nigerian newspaper, SaharaReporters, the incident has unsettled the community, especially as it came after a reported peace agreement between stakeholders in Faskari Local Government Area and bandit leaders. The deal was expected to end hostilities and encourage displaced residents to return to their homes.

A Katsina-based security expert, Bakatsine, confirmed the development and warned that the attack was still ongoing in Doma and nearby communities within Faskari LGA.

Bakatsine raised concerns over the safety of civilians and appealed for immediate security intervention in the area.

“Urgent deployment of security forces is needed to Doma and surrounding communities in Faskari LGA to protect civilians, stop the ongoing violence, and prevent further loss of lives and property,” the alert stated. “Immediate action could save lives.”

At the time of filing this report, there were concerns that casualties may have been recorded. However, the exact number of those killed or injured could not be independently verified.

Faskari Local Government Area remains one of the areas most affected by insecurity in Katsina State, with years of persistent bandit attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and large-scale displacement of residents.

On September 17, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that a known bandit commander, Isya Akwashi Garwa, who was armed with an AK-47 and ammunition, released 28 abducted persons in the local government area after a peace arrangement.

Those released were mostly residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities, who had spent weeks in captivity.

Local authorities later confirmed that the release followed reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace and reducing violence in the area.

A security source, Zagazola Makama, also revealed on X that community leaders in Faskari welcomed the development and described it as a positive step. They urged all parties involved to sustain the “peace process.”

The leaders also appealed to the bandit commander to persuade other armed groups still carrying out attacks in the area to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least four people lost their lives on Thursday evening after armed bandits attacked Gwargwaba village in Nahuce District of Bungudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

Reports said the attackers stormed the community at about 6:00 p.m. A security analyst, Bakatsine, disclosed the incident in a post shared on X on Saturday. He stated that the assailants were heavily armed and set several houses on fire during the raid.

According to the report, four residents were trapped inside their homes and died as the fire spread.

The attackers also destroyed food items, killed villagers’ livestock, and set them ablaze.

Bakatsine said the attack followed the community’s refusal to pay levies demanded by the bandits. He noted that the decision angered the attackers and led to a violent response.

He wrote, “On Thursday evening around 6pm, bandits armed with sophisticated weapons stormed Gwargwaba village in Nahuce District, Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State. Four residents were burned alive in their homes, while houses, food stores and livestock were set ablaze. The attack reportedly followed the villagers’ refusal to pay illegal levies imposed by the bandits,”.

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits and recovered five firearms with live ammunition in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna, saying the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of armed suspects.

According to Hassan, the first operation was carried out on January 28 at about 5:45 p.m. after security operatives received information that some individuals were in possession of prohibited firearms.

He explained that detectives attached to the Anti–Car Theft Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department promptly acted on the intelligence, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

He said the operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with two fully loaded magazines, two Beretta pistols with one fully loaded magazine, as well as a locally fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with seven rounds of live ammunition.

The suspects, he added, are currently in custody while investigations continue to track other criminal networks linked to them.

In a related operation on January 29, Hassan said the Divisional Police Officer of Zaria City Division led a team of 47 Police Mobile Force operatives on stop-and-search duties following intelligence reports on the movement of armed bandits.

“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Adamu Lawal and Abdulhadi Lawal, both from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, with a locally fabricated firearm recovered from them,” he said.

Hassan noted that the suspects are cooperating with investigators and providing information that could lead to further arrests.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their professionalism and swift response, while reaffirming the command’s zero tolerance for banditry and other forms of criminality in Kaduna State.

By Uzair Adam

At least 23 suspected bandits were neutralised in a coordinated military operation after armed groups launched attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas of Kano State between the night of January 1 and the early hours of January 2, 2026, according to the Nigerian Army.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, who said the operation involved joint task force troops on the ground and the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

According to the statement, troops successfully contained the attacks in Kano. They inflicted heavy casualties on the assailants before tracking the fleeing bandits to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State. 

Acting on credible intelligence, the Air Component pursued the group as they attempted to regroup after escaping Kano.

The Army said intelligence reports revealed that the bandits were in the process of burying some of their members killed during the initial clashes when they were located at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA. 

Air Component Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly trailed their movement until several motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed.

“A precision airstrike was immediately launched,” the statement said, noting that the operation was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. 

The strike, according to the Army, resulted in the neutralisation of at least 23 terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained injuries. 

It also damaged the group’s weapons and other equipment.

Reacting to the operation’s outcome, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended both the air and ground troops for their exceptional courage. 

“Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” he said.

The Army added that the security situation in Kano State remains calm, with troops sustaining robust patrols and close monitoring of flashpoints. 

It stated that troop morale and operational efficiency remain “very satisfactory.”

The Nigerian Army also appealed to the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Such cooperation, it said, would further aid efforts to disrupt banditry and other terrorist activities.

Major Zubairu stressed that troops, working alongside other security agencies, remain committed to safeguarding lives and property nationwide and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure national security.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A deadly ambush by bandits on the Dansadau–Magami highway in Zamfara State has left at least two people dead, with fears the toll could rise as more reports emerge.

The attack began when bandits detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) against travelers. As emergency responses mobilized, a second IED was detonated in what security analysts describe as a deliberate “double-tap” attack aimed at causing maximum casualties and panic. The blast sent surviving passengers scrambling for safety.

Authorities report that the attackers are actively planting additional explosives along the route in a new tactic aimed at sabotaging the military escorts assigned to protect civilian travel.

This development marks a dangerous escalation in the region’s security challenges.

Security forces have cordoned off the area for clearance operations as travel along the highway remains extremely hazardous.