Bandits have killed an Islamic cleric, Malam Zainu AB Mada, in Zamfara State after collecting ₦2 million ransom, two phones, and ₦70,000 airtime from his family.

Malam Zainu was abducted along the Kwatarkwashi–Mada highway, a road now known for frequent bandit attacks. Despite his family meeting all the demands, the bandits still brutally killed him.

His funeral prayer was held on Thursday.

This tragic killing shows a painful reality: paying ransom no longer guarantees safety. Zamfara residents continue to live in fear as kidnappings, killings, and attacks on major roads persist, despite government assurances.

How many more lives will be lost before real action is taken?

#Zamfara #Banditry #Insecurity #Kidnapping #NigeriaNews #StopTheKillings

BREAKING: Bandits Abduct Over 100 Church Worshippers During Sunday Service In Kaduna

Over 100 church worshippers have been abducted by bandits in a coordinated Sunday attack on multiple churches in the Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State. Sources told SaharaReporters that the armed attackers stormed churches during ongoing services and forcefully took congregants away, sending shockwaves across the community. About ten vulnerable victims were reportedly released by the bandits. Security agencies have been alerted as investigations begin. The incident adds to a growing wave of violent bandit attacks in Southern Kaduna, where residents continue to face deadly assaults despite the presence of security formations.

Kwara Farmer Brutally Attacked by Bandits, Rescued by Vigilantes

In Koro community, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, a farmer identified as Abayomi was violently attacked by bandits while tending his farmland near the Kogi border on Friday morning. The assailants inflicted severe injuries before fleeing, leaving the farmer in critical condition. Alerted residents quickly mobilized the Koro local vigilante group, who intervened and rescued Abayomi, rushing him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Community members have expressed concern over the rising insecurity, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by bandit attacks in the region and the critical role of local vigilantes in protecting citizens.

Kogi Police Repel Midnight Bandit Attack, Neutralize Several Criminals in Forest Operations

A joint security team led by the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a network of bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State following a fierce midnight attack. Officers of the Force Intelligence Bureau–Intelligence Response Team (FIB/IRT), supported by sister agencies, engaged heavily armed criminals during a clearance patrol. Videos show explosions and gunfire as the police repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat with casualties. The operation, led by CP Muhammad Sanusi Ahmed, included airstrikes and ground offensives, signaling renewed momentum to reclaim forests terrorized by bandits, with authorities commending the professionalism and commitment of the security forces.

Bandit Attacks Empty Kogi Community, Turn Okunran Into Ghost Town

Residents of Okunran in Yagba West LGA, Kogi State, have abandoned their homes following rising insecurity, leaving the community deserted. A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows empty streets, abandoned houses and no signs of daily life, with locals describing the area as a ghost town. The development follows recent bandit attacks in the region, including the abduction of over 30 worshippers from an ECWA church in nearby Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu. Although some victims were later released after negotiations and ransom payments, fear has driven residents of Okunran to flee their homes.

Police Repel Bandit Attack in Kaduna, Kill Two Suspects, Recover Arms

The Kaduna State Police Command says it has repelled an attempted bandit attack in Giwa Local Government Area, killing two suspected bandits and recovering firearms and ammunition.

Police said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were planning to attack Idisu village in Bayan Kogi ward. Intelligence revealed the group, allegedly led by a notorious kingpin identified as Kachalla Sanusi Bajira, was mobilising after residents refused to pay an illegal levy.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the Commissioner of Police ordered operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, to move into the area.

On arrival, the security team encountered the bandits who had set an ambush, leading to a gun battle. Police operatives overpowered the attackers, killing two suspects, while others escaped into nearby bushes.

Two firearms and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured residents of continued intelligence-led operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. He warned that Kaduna State will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

Oyo Bandit Attack: Governor Makinde Confirms Killing of Five Forest Guards in Cross-Border Operation

Tragedy struck Oyo State as five National Park Service Forest Guard officers were killed in what authorities are calling a cross-border attack by suspected bandits. The incident occurred at the National Park Office in Oloka Village, according to a statement personally issued by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Governor Makinde described the attack as a criminal act and mourned the loss of the officers, who were killed while performing their official duties. In his statement posted on social media, he said: “Earlier today, there was a criminal attack by bandits at the National Park Office, Oloka Village which resulted in the death of five National Park Service Forest Guard Officers. This is a devastating loss… May their souls rest in peace.”

Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate that the incident was a cross-border operation, suggesting that armed groups exploited forest corridors along Nigeria’s borders to carry out the attack. Governor Makinde assured residents that security agencies are already coordinating efforts to address the situation and have deployed additional personnel to prevent further incidents.

He appealed to residents of Oriire Local Government Area and other border communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in intelligence gathering, emphasizing that “our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.”

The killing has heightened concerns about insecurity in border and forest-adjacent communities across Nigeria. Authorities have warned of the increasing frequency of attacks by armed groups exploiting vulnerable forest corridors, raising questions about regional security, cross-border collaboration, and the protection of personnel responsible for safeguarding national parks and natural resources.

The attack has also caused uncertainty and fear among local residents, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced intelligence, community engagement, and stronger law enforcement responses to banditry and criminal incursions in vulnerable areas.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by forest guards and the broader challenge of combating cross-border criminal activity in Nigeria’s forested regions.

Deadly Bandit Attacks in Zamfara and Niger States Kill Dozens, Abduct Travellers, Women Raped

A series of violent bandit attacks across Zamfara and Niger states have left scores dead, with travellers abducted and vehicles set ablaze. On Friday, gunmen attacked commuters along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara, burning two vehicles and abducting all passengers.

On Saturday night, bandits raided Hayin Kastinawa in Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara, reportedly raping married women and abducting at least 15 teenage girls. Separately, Kasuwar Daji community in Borgu LGA, Niger State, was attacked, leaving over 35 people dead.

Disturbing footage shows victims, including a police officer, held captive by armed bandits. The incidents highlight the ongoing insecurity along northern Nigeria’s rural roads and the urgent need for government intervention to protect civilians.

Nigerian Troops Foil Bandit Attacks in Plateau State, Kill Five Suspects and Recover Weapons

Troops from the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), successfully foiled a planned bandit attack on Plateau State communities on January 1, 2026. Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers laid an ambush along the Dutsen Zaki–Odare Forest axis in Wase Local Government Area, neutralizing five bandits while others fled.

Recovered items included two AK-47 magazines with 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two machetes, and one knife. Follow-up operations are ongoing to track fleeing suspects.

Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola, Commander of JTF OPEP, assured residents of continued military protection and urged the public to provide timely intelligence. The military warned criminals to desist from illegal activities or face decisive action, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Plateau State.

Renewed Bandit Attacks Force Residents of Gebbe Village, Kebbi to Flee Homes, Sparking Humanitarian Crisis

Residents of Gebbe village in Shanga LGA, Kebbi State, have been forced to abandon their homes following renewed attacks by armed bandits. Families, including children, were seen fleeing through rough terrain and crossing streams, carrying minimal belongings. Displaced villagers now face severe challenges, lacking shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare. Social media posts have called for urgent humanitarian intervention, but as of now, the Kebbi State Government and security agencies have not issued an official response. Security analysts warn the ongoing attacks could worsen instability in the area.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Over 30 Women, Children Displaced by Bandits Forced to Share Single Room at Unofficial Zamfara IDP Camp

More than 30 women and children displaced by bandit attacks are crammed into a single room at an unofficial IDP camp in Gusau, Zamfara State. Videos shared by lawyer Mubashir Umar reveal horrific living conditions, with victims recounting abductions, killings, rape, hunger and prolonged captivity despite ransom payments. Umar blamed the worsening humanitarian crisis on the Zamfara State government’s failure to establish official IDP camps across the state’s 14 local government areas, leaving displaced persons to seek shelter in schools, unfinished buildings, markets and private homes amid escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West.

Tinubu Says Nigerians Are “Prayer Warriors” as Presidency Vows to Surmount Insecurity With Security Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its persistent insecurity challenges, describing Nigerians as deeply religious “prayer warriors” determined to surmount the crisis. Speaking during a meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos, Tinubu assured that ongoing security sector reforms, including plans for state and community policing, would soon yield results. He acknowledged the scale of ungoverned spaces and delays in acquiring military hardware but revealed that Nigeria has ordered attack helicopters from the United States and is engaging Turkey for further support. While urging religious leaders to support government efforts through prayers and vigilance, the President maintained that restoring peace and public confidence remains a top priority despite continued bandit attacks in parts of the country.

Kogi Monarch and CAN Suspend All Church Activities in Kabba/Bunu LGA Amid Rising Bandit Attacks

Following a surge in bandit attacks and security breaches in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba, in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has ordered the suspension of all church activities until further notice. The decision comes after attacks on churches and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition by security forces. Rev. Kayode Osatuyie, CAN coordinator in the area, said the suspension was issued in the interest of public safety after consultation with the state CAN leadership. Recent incidents include the abduction of nine people, including a mother and her three children, by armed bandits, heightening fears among residents.

Bandits Abduct Five Travellers Along Ogbe–Egbe Road In Kogi, One Injured As Gunmen Ambush Wedding Guests

At least five travellers have been abducted by suspected bandits following an attack along the Ogbe–Egbe road in Kogi State, heightening fears over growing insecurity in the area. The incident occurred on Friday as residents were travelling from Ogbe to Egbe to attend a wedding ceremony when they were ambushed by armed assailants near the boundary between Ogbe and Koro communities. During the attack, one person was shot and rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, while five others were forcibly taken into the bush by the attackers. The incident has sparked tension across Ogbe and neighbouring communities, with residents calling on authorities to urgently boost security patrols along rural roads to curb repeated bandit attacks.

Osun Governor Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Bandits’ Infiltration From Kwara Border, Urges Nigerian Army To Sustain Military Operations

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised fresh concerns over the threat of bandits infiltrating the state through its border communities with Kwara State, calling on the Nigerian Army to intensify and sustain ongoing military operations in the area. Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, the governor praised the military’s role in maintaining national security and revealed that troops are currently conducting special operations in border towns to curb banditry and kidnapping. Adeleke described the threat as real but preventable, reaffirmed the state government’s collaboration with security agencies, and assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property following recent bandit attacks in Ora Igbomina.

Video Shows Abducted ECWA Church Worshippers, Children, Elderly Distressed in Bandits’ Captivity After Kogi Church Attack

A distressing video has emerged showing worshippers abducted during the bandit attack on First ECWA Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The 38-second footage reveals elderly victims and young children standing in a forest, confirming fears over the fate of those kidnapped during the December 14, 2025 attack. At least one worshipper, Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, was killed, while no fewer than 37 people were abducted. Residents say the bandits operated freely for hours, targeting church services and demanding ransom as insecurity continues to worsen in the area.

EXCLUSIVE: Names of Over 37 Worshippers, Including Children and Elderly, Kidnapped in Kogi’s Aiyetoro Kiri Church Attack

SaharaReporters has obtained the names of worshippers abducted during a violent bandit attack on the First ECWA Church and Apostolic Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State, on December 14, 2025. The attack left one seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi (JJ), dead, while at least 37 worshippers—including over 12 children aged 3–8 and more than 10 elderly individuals—were kidnapped. Bandits operated freely for hours, reportedly forcing some captives to fetch ransom money. They have demanded ₦600 million from the community, seeking direct negotiation with the government. The assault is the third major attack in the area this year, leaving residents in fear and prompting mass relocation.

Six Kidnapped On Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road As Four Regain Freedom Amid Allegations Of Police Silence And Renewed Bandit Attacks In Kaduna State

Six travellers were abducted by armed bandits along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road after returning from a wedding, sparking concern as the Kaduna State Police Command allegedly withheld details of the incident. Four of the victims have since been freed under unclear circumstances, with conflicting accounts suggesting either escape or ransom payment, while two remain in captivity. Families and residents say police have been evasive, heightening fears amid reports that bandits have resumed attacks on Birnin Gwari communities, destroying farms and deepening insecurity in the area.

Bandits Kidnap Two, Shoot One on Egbe–Ogbe Road in Kogi Amid Rising Insecurity

Two travelers were kidnapped and another shot during a bandit attack on the Egbe–Ogbe road in Yagba West LGA, Kogi State. The gunmen ambushed commuters, forcing vehicles to stop before fleeing with their victims. One of the abducted individuals has been identified as Mabe from Egbe. The attack highlights worsening security along major roads in the area, prompting residents to call for increased patrols and urgent government intervention.

Peter Obi Laments Rising Violence, Says Nigeria Now “A Nation of Unending Tragedy”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, describing the country as “a nation of unending tragedy” following renewed killings in Adamawa, Anambra, and Sokoto states. In a statement shared on X, Obi mourned the deaths of worshippers, seven women protesters in Adamawa, and victims of fresh bandit attacks in Sokoto. He warned that no country seeking development can normalise such persistent violence, stressing that insecurity undermines education, agriculture, business, and public trust. Obi called for leadership that values human life, strengthens justice, and tackles root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and weak institutions. He urged Nigerians to demand accountability and work toward a safer and more united nation while offering condolences to the bereaved families.