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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Soldiers, Policemen Kill Two Youths Protesting Insecurity In Kogi’s Yagba East

Two youths were killed and others injured after security operatives allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters in Yagba East, Kogi State, during a demonstration against recurring bandit attacks in the community.

EXCLUSIVE: Emir Of Lafiagi Threatens Journalists Over Reports On Terrorist Attacks In Kwara North

Journalists in Kwara State are facing mounting intimidation after the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, reportedly threatened them for consistently reporting terrorist and bandit attacks in Kwara North communities.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the monarch summoned journalists to his palace on Sunday, warning them to stop publishing reports on insecurity, which he claimed were “embarrassing” Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to insiders, the Emir said he was acting on the governor’s directive and cautioned that journalists who defied the order risked arrest.

The threat comes amid rising insecurity in Lafiagi, Patigi, and surrounding areas, where residents have endured repeated kidnappings, killings, and ransom demands by bandits.

Journalists and media platforms including SaharaReporters, Nupeko TV, and Informant247 have previously accused the state government of attempting to silence coverage of insecurity.

The development follows the detention of blogger Abdulsamad Oloyin, popularly known as “Yolo,” by the NSCDC last week over alleged defamation, further fueling concerns of a clampdown on press freedom in the state.

Source: SaharaReporters

#Kwara #PressFreedom #Insecurity

Some Bandits Terrorising Kwara Communities Are Foreigners — Community Leader

No fewer than 3,000 residents from 15 communities in Babanla, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, have fled their homes following repeated bandit attacks, kidnappings, and arson.

Community leader Anu Ibiwoye, a PDP chieftain, alleged that many of the attackers are foreign fighters who infiltrated the state, citing testimonies from kidnap victims who identified strange dialects and appearances among the gunmen.

He recalled how nearly 100 armed bandits on motorcycles stormed Babanla, abducting villagers — including the monarch’s wife — shooting vigilantes, and setting patrol vehicles ablaze.

Ibiwoye accused the Kwara State Government of failing to provide meaningful support, saying communities have been left to raise ransoms, buy fuel, and equip vigilantes themselves.

He warned that over 16 communities now stand deserted, markets shut, and farms abandoned, plunging the region into economic hardship.

“This is no longer politics. Bandits are taking over. If urgent action is not taken, we may lose our villages to criminals who are not even Nigerians,” he said.

#Kwara #Insecurity #Banditry

Banditry: CDS Musa Links Troops’ Slow Response To Bad Roads

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, says poor road networks, difficult terrains, and security risks like IEDs are slowing down the military’s response to terror and bandit attacks.

Speaking on Politics Today, Musa stressed that while citizens expect instant intervention, logistical realities make rapid deployment difficult. He noted that in the North-East, troops must sweep roads for explosives before advancing, while some terrains remain impassable for military vehicles.

He added that bandits exploit these weaknesses, striking quickly and fleeing before soldiers arrive.

#NigeriaSecurity #Banditry #Insecurity

News Brief: Katsina Acting Gov Seeks Stronger Military Support Against Banditry

The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Jobe, has appealed for deeper military collaboration to tackle the persistent banditry threatening rural communities in the state.

Jobe made the call during a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on the sidelines of an International Organization for Migration (IOM) event in Abuja on Tuesday.

He highlighted the displacement, loss of livelihoods, and disruptions to farming caused by bandit attacks, stressing the need for a more coordinated response between state authorities and the military.

“Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity. We will continue to work hand in hand with the Armed Forces and other security agencies until this menace is defeated,” Jobe said.

In response, General Musa assured him of the Armed Forces’ total commitment to defeating banditry, pledging to strengthen ongoing operations in Katsina and other troubled areas.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and IOM Deputy Director-General (Operations), Ogechi Daniels, among others.

#Katsina #Banditry #Insecurity #NigeriaSecurity #NigerianArmy #BreakingNews

Bandits move freely around our village,often in broad daylight,as if there is no government-Resident.

About three months ago, armed bandits attacked Kaura Namoda town and Banga village in Zamfara State’s Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, abducting over 50 people, mostly women and children.

According to Daily Trust, the assault was allegedly led by a notorious bandit leader, Dan Sadiya, who is believed to control the area.

Residents reported that the attackers, armed and riding motorbikes, stormed the community at night, conducted house-to-house searches, and abducted victims while looting food and other items. Men reportedly fled into the bush, leaving women and children vulnerable to capture.

Initially, the abductors demanded a ransom of N150 million but later reduced it to N50 million after negotiations. Families of the victims were said to have sold livestock, farm produce, and sought financial help from relatives in cities like Gusau, Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja to meet the demand.

Despite receiving the N50 million, the bandits released only 18 hostages after nearly three months in captivity. Reports indicated that the remaining 38 were killed, with relatives of the victims stating that many were brutally tortured and slaughtered.

Residents of Kaura Namoda have expressed growing concern over the escalating banditry in the area, describing the security situation as increasingly alarming.

One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that bandits now move freely through villages, heavily armed and operating without any resistance, suggesting a complete breakdown of law enforcement in the region.

“The bandits move freely around our villages, often in broad daylight, carrying dangerous weapons. It’s as if there’s no government presence at all,” he said.

He voiced frustration over the ineffectiveness of military deployments in nearby areas such as Dogon Kebe in Dan Isa and Bungudu Local Government Area. According to him, despite the presence of soldiers, bandit attacks had persisted without restraint, often occurring in broad daylight.