Intelligence Report Uncovers Hundreds of Kidnapping and Bandit Syndicate Members Across Northern Nigeria

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast network of kidnapping and bandit syndicates operating across the North-West and North-East. The investigation reveals detailed profiles of key kingpins, informants, logistics operators, and possible links to politically exposed persons.
Hotspot states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna dominate the findings, with suspects tied to ransom collection, weapons sourcing, international communication, and alleged collaboration with security and political figures. The report highlights how coordinated criminal networks sustain abductions, banditry, and cross-regional movement of armed groups.

BREAKING: Yesterday evening, armed bandits shot Isiya Tako of Lamido community, three times after he reportedly refused to surrender his phone to them, believing a prior peace deal with the group leader (Isiya Kwashen Garwa) offered some protection. He’s now receiving treatment in Funtua General Hospital and may be transferred to Katsina Teaching Hospital today for further care.

Community leaders say the attack violates the informal peace agreement in Bakori LGA, Katsina State.

Given the reported breach of agreement, what mechanisms if any now verify the effectiveness of the current peace deal in Bakori LGA?

NAF Airstrikes Crush ISWAP Attack in Chibok, Destroy Major Terrorist Camps in Katsina

The Nigerian Air Force has successfully foiled an ISWAP assault in Chibok, Borno State, and destroyed key terrorist hideouts in Katsina during intensified precision air operations. According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, coordinated airstrikes under Operations Fansan Yamma and Hadin Kai neutralised scores of insurgents, dismantled fortified camps, and disrupted logistics hubs across Faskari, Kankara, Malumfashi, and Danfako.
In Chibok, NAF aircraft supported ground troops with four targeted strikes that shattered insurgent escape routes and prevented a renewed offensive. The operations highlight the military’s strengthened intelligence-led counterterrorism strategy and its commitment to restoring security nationwide.

Governor Radda Accuses Opposition of Undermining Peace Efforts in Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has accused opposition figures of deliberately working against the state’s improving security situation in order to portray his APC-led administration as a failure. Speaking during his tour of Danmusa Local Government, Radda said bandit-hit communities are now witnessing the return of farming and normal socio-economic activities. He claimed critics, including Dr. Mustapha Inuwa and ex-Senator Ahmed Babba Kaita, were exploiting insecurity for political gain ahead of 2027. The governor insisted his government will not be distracted by “celebrants of killings,” and urged residents to remain law-abiding and committed to sustaining peace.

Pregnant Woman Dies in Katsina Hospital After Staff Reject Bank Transfer for Emergency Oxygen

A tragic incident occurred at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Hospital, Katsina, where a pregnant woman, Aisha Najamu, reportedly died after staff allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for emergency oxygen. Eyewitnesses say the woman arrived in critical condition but was denied urgent ventilator support because her family had no cash, and the hospital claimed its policy prohibited bank transfers. Despite multiple pleas, offers to assume the bill, and even an attempt to offer $100, the cashier insisted on cash-only payment. The hospital management acknowledged receiving only one formal complaint but defended the staff, citing Katsina State’s TSA policy and a lack of POS machines. They also highlighted oxygen shortages and past issues with unpaid bills. An investigation has been promised as the case sparks public outrage.

#Katsinahospitalincident

#PregnantwomandiesKatsina

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Video showing Katsina State lawmaker, Hon. Engr. Kandarawa, leading a mission into the forest to secure the release of 37 people kidn@pped by territories in Bakori Local Government Area.
The rescue reportedly followed a formal peace agreement

Video Emerges of Katsina Lawmaker, LG Chairman Negotiating With T+rrorists as 37 Abd¥ctees Are Freed

WATCH: Terrorists Storm Katsina Local Government To Sign 'Peace Deal' Amid Rising Attacks, Imposition Of Levy On Farmers

NSCDC Commends Volunteer Who Returned Over N20 Million Forgotten in Tricycle.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has praised one of its volunteers in Kano, Mr. Nura Abdullahi, for returning more than N20 million forgotten by a co-passenger in a commercial tricycle, describing his action as “a rare display of honesty, integrity and professionalism.”

ACG Amos Abiodun-Taiwo, NSCDC Commander of Zone 12, made the commendation on Friday in Kano while presenting a letter of recognition to Abdullahi.

According to the commander, Abdullahi discovered the money after a co-passenger, identified as Alhaji Mustafa from Katsina State, mistakenly left the bag behind while alighting. He explained that Abdullahi used the last dialed number on Mustafa’s phone—after lending him the device earlier—to trace and contact the rightful owner.

Abiodun-Taiwo noted that it is highly unusual to find someone willing to return such a large sum, especially amid the current economic hardships.

He further emphasized that Abdullahi is not even a regular NSCDC staff member but a volunteer who reportedly did not have up to N20,000 in his own account, yet chose to act with integrity.

He said the command verified the incident and subsequently briefed the Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who directed that Abdullahi be celebrated as a model of honesty within the corps.

“This young man is a good ambassador of his family, the NSCDC, and Nigeria at large. If this were something negative, social media would have been awash with it. Positive deeds like this deserve equal publicity,” Abiodun-Taiwo stated.

He urged the public to emulate Abdullahi’s sincerity, stressing that moral values remain important regardless of economic challenges. “It pays to be honest. If he had taken the money, he wouldn’t enjoy peace today. Parents should train their children well, and young people should uphold such values,” he added.

The commander also assured that Abdullahi would be “handsomely rewarded” for his exemplary conduct.

NAF Crushes ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Bandit Camps Across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its nationwide counterterrorism and anti-banditry campaign, carrying out a series of precision airstrikes that eliminated ISWAP fighters and dismantled multiple criminal hideouts across the northern region.

According to a statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated strikes targeted ISWAP strongholds in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram in Borno State, as well as bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, and Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. Additional operations were also conducted in parts of Zamfara and Kaduna States.

Ejodame noted that the missions mark a significant phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, designed to degrade terrorist and criminal networks operating across Nigeria’s northern corridors.

He added that the success of these precision-led offensives reflects the renewed operational tempo of the Air Force, in line with directives issued by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

Each strike, he said, reinforces NAF’s commitment to deploying intelligence-driven, smarter airpower to deliver decisive blows against insurgents and bandits, while safeguarding citizens and strengthening national security.

NAF Bombs Several ISWAP Terrorists, Bandits To Death In Multiple Airstrikes.

Air strikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have resulted in the killing of several terrorists and bandits across the country and the destruction of their hideouts.

According to a statement on Monday by the NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, as well as bandits’ enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in Kankara local government area of Katsina State, were affected by the strikes.

He added that the coordinated missions were carried out on November 9, 2025, based on credible intelligence on the movement and activities of the criminals.

Ejodame said the missions represent a decisive phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed at degrading terrorists and criminal networks across Nigeria’s northern theatres.

News reports that the NAF airstrikes dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns of Borno State.

According to the NAF spokesman, the Air Component guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.

According to him, the strikes destroyed the insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility capabilities.

“Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralizations and a significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area,” he said.

Similarly, NAF aircraft carried out precision air interdiction missions over Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, striking bandits,’ camps with devastating accuracy based on credible intelligence.

He said the attacks caused panic in the enemy camp and inflicted heavy losses among the criminals.

In a related operation, air assets under Operation Fansan Yamma struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, the hideout of a terrorist kingpin and his fighters.

Ejodame said the aircraft guided by actionable intelligence and ISR surveillance, executed multiple attack passes, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralizing several terrorists in one of the most decisive strikes in the region.

Furthermore, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (Sector 1) conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the northwest corridor, covering key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello.

Ejodame said the locations served as known routes and hideouts for armed groups along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.

“During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro revealed suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were spotted attempting to flee. The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralized the targets, with no further hostile activity observed,” he said.

Bandits attacked Yan Kwada village in Shanono LGA, Kano State, on Sunday, abducting five women, including nursing mothers. Local sources said the assailants invaded the community, firing gunshots and breaking into homes. Two of the abducted women were later released, while three remain in captivity. The attack occurred a week after a military operation in the area reportedly killed 19 bandits. Residents, living in fear of further assaults, have urged security agencies and the Kano State Government to strengthen patrols across border communities between Kano and Katsina. Police have yet to comment on the incident.

Fulani Bandit Leaders commit to Lasting Peace after Dialogue with Charanci and Batagarawa Communities.

The local governments of Charanci and Batagarawa in Katsina State have joined their counterparts in engaging in a peace dialogue with armed Fulani groups residing in the forests.

The peace meeting, which took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, was held in Wurma town of Kurfi Local Government Area in Katsina State.

According to a report gathered by Zagazola via Militainment News, the meeting was attended by the Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government, Hon. Yahaya Lawal Kawo, representatives from Charanci Local Government, traditional rulers, and delegates of the forest-based Fulani community.

The dialogue session reportedly ended on a positive note, as representatives of the Fulani groups pledged to embrace lasting peace and coexist peacefully with neighboring communities.

UK warns against travel to six Nigerian states over rising insecurity.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”

The statement warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

In addition, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCDO said, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.”

It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

Large Movement of Fulani Herdsmen Reportedly Leaving Nigeria for Cameroon via Adamawa Border.

Reports from Fufore Local Government Area in Adamawa State indicate that a significant number of Fulani herdsmen, many traveling on motorbikes, are moving out of Nigeria across the border into Cameroon. According to eyewitness accounts, including that of local observer Patrick Anum, the movement has been steady and organized, with groups seen heading towards border communities in the early hours of the day.

The movement is suspected to be an act of fleeing the country by the killer herdsmen due to the threat by the head of the American Government, President Donald Trump that the US could intervene in Northern Nigeria, killing terrorists allegedly persecuting Christians if the Nigerian Government refuses to ‘act fast’.

What has drawn attention, however, is the apparent lack of interference by Nigerian security agencies stationed along the border routes. Sources suggest that the herdsmen are being allowed to cross freely, raising questions about whether the movement is coordinated or part of a broader security realignment in the region.

This development comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity and shifting dynamics in Nigeria’s northern states. In recent months, the Nigerian security architecture has undergone multiple operations targeting banditry, terrorism, and cross-border criminal activities, particularly in the North East and North West regions. Military offensives in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna have reportedly displaced several armed groups, pushing some to seek refuge or reorganize in neighboring countries.

Security analysts suggest that the movement of Fulani groups toward Cameroon could be linked to these intensified operations. Some observers fear that the exodus might not merely be pastoral migration but could involve elements retreating from ongoing military pressure or attempting to regroup across the border. Others, however, view it as part of the seasonal transhumance pattern traditional herding movements that have been complicated in recent years by conflict, climate change, and growing insecurity.

The federal government has recently emphasized the need for tighter border surveillance and regional cooperation to manage such cross border movements. Yet, the apparent passivity of local security personnel in Adamawa has sparked debate over whether this current migration is being tacitly permitted or simply beyond the capacity of existing border control mechanisms.

As northern Nigeria continues to grapple with overlapping security challenges from insurgency and banditry to farmer-herder tensions this latest development underscores the fragile nature of border management and the deep interconnection between internal security and regional mobility.

UST IN: The Katsina Sexual Assault Referral Centre has revealed that it has handled approximately 110 cases of sexual assault since it was established in December 2023. The centre says it remains committed to supporting survivors and ensuring justice through proper medical, legal, and psychological assistance.

“A Brother in Struggle and Service” — President Tinubu Celebrates Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80 with Heartfelt Tribute

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praises on his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, as the elder statesman marks his 80th birthday.

In a touching message from the Presidency on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Tinubu described Senator Ibrahim as “a principled statesman, trusted ally, and patriot whose loyalty and wisdom have inspired generations.”

Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, the President recalled first meeting Senator Ibrahim in the Senate during the Third Republic in 1992, where their shared commitment to democracy and justice forged an unbreakable bond.

“Abu has been more than a friend — he is my brother,” Tinubu said, recounting how they stood together during the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
“He stood in the line of fire when we reconvened the Senate in Lagos to condemn that criminal annulment. Even when released, he refused to leave until we were all free.”


Tinubu hailed Senator Ibrahim’s exceptional record of public service, including his two-term tenure in the Senate (2003–2019) representing Katsina South, and his key role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.

“Senator Abu Ibrahim is a man whose integrity, courage, and loyalty remain unshaken,” the President said. “He embodies what Nigeria needs more of — principled leadership and selfless service.”

President Tinubu concluded by praying for long life and good health for the octogenarian, noting that his legacy will continue to inspire future leaders.

JUST IN: Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda appoints new heads for road maintenance agency, others

A Customs officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs Lawal Tukur was discovered dead in a hotel room in Katsina metropolis.

According to Zagazola Reports, the incident took place on October 15 at Murjani Hotel, where Tukur had checked in. Hotel workers reportedly found him lifeless around 8:30 a.m & immediately alerted the authorities.

Sources said empty sachets of unidentified substances were found in a wastebasket in the room. 3 women Khadija Ali, 34, from Dutsin Amare Quarters, Katsina; Aisha Lawal, 30, from Ingawa LGA; & Hafsat Yusuf, 22, from Brigade Quarters, Kano were said to have been at the hotel during the incident.

It was gathered that Khadija & Aisha spent the night with the officer, while Hafsat joined them later & also stayed at the hotel.
The deceased’s body was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina where doctors confirmed his death before it was moved to the mortuary for autopsy.

The Nigeria Customs Service has reportedly been notified, & investigations are ongoing.

Weeks after a peace agreement between the Katsina State Government and armed bandit groups, the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government Area, Engr. Sagir Tanimu, has come under scrutiny for attending the wedding ceremony of children belonging to some of the bandits.

The ceremony, which took place in Kadawan Dandume village, was reportedly part of the state’s ongoing reconciliation efforts with the bandits operating in the region. Tanimu, alongside other dignitaries including the Prince of Kogo Emirate, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Kogo, and the District Head of Sabuwa, joined Fulani residents in the forest to mark the occasion.

However, critics have expressed concern over the gesture, noting that despite the peace pact, the armed groups have yet to renounce their criminal activities or surrender their weapons. Locals insist that genuine peace can only be achieved when the bandits formally disarm and abandon violence.