Bandits have launched another wave of deadly attacks in Zamfara State, killing five people and abducting more than 50, mostly women and children, across several communities.
According to Leadership, the attacks have intensified since the recent visit of the Chief of Army Staff.
No fewer than ten communities across six local government areas—Gusau, Bukkuyum, Zurmi, Kaura-Namoda, Maru, and Anka—have come under siege.
Reports indicate that bandits stormed Gusau and Gummi local government areas, killing four children—two in each council—while kidnapping several residents.
Among those abducted is the Vice Chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Hon. Bala Muhammad Majidadi.
In Zurmi, residents had begun to feel a sense of relief as attacks had subsided in recent weeks. However, the bandits have resumed their violent activities, launching fresh assaults on multiple communities.
Meanwhile, military forces under Operation Hadarin Daji are claiming victories in their crackdown on bandit strongholds.
Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, revealed that recent operations have resulted in the elimination of seven notorious bandit leaders, including Kachalla Na Faransa, Kachalla Bokolo, Kachalla Sani Bannuwa, and Sani Black.
Each of them commanded over 50 fighters, many of whom were either killed or severely wounded in the military offensive.
Additionally, over 40 bandit camps have been destroyed in the latest operation. Lt. Col. Abdullahi reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eradicating the insurgents, stating, “The battle against banditry will continue until they are completely eliminated.”