Nigerian Army Neutralises 65 Bandits in Major Zamfara Offensive

The Nigerian Army has announced the killing of no fewer than 65 armed bandits during a major military operation in Zamfara State, as security forces intensify efforts to curb persistent violence in the country’s troubled northwest.

According to military authorities, the operation targeted several bandit enclaves in remote parts of the state, long considered safe havens for criminal groups responsible for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and deadly attacks on rural communities. The offensive, carried out by ground troops with support from aerial surveillance, was described as one of the most decisive strikes against bandit networks in recent months.

A statement from the Army indicated that the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, overpowering them and inflicting heavy casualties. The military said the operation forms part of ongoing coordinated campaigns aimed at dismantling bandit strongholds and restoring peace to affected areas.

Security analysts say the northwest region of Nigeria has, in recent years, witnessed a surge in armed violence driven by loosely organised criminal gangs commonly referred to as bandits. Unlike insurgent groups with ideological motives, these gangs are primarily motivated by profit, often targeting villages, schools, and highways for ransom operations.

Residents in parts of Zamfara State have repeatedly borne the brunt of such attacks, with many communities displaced and livelihoods disrupted. The latest military success is expected to bring some relief, although concerns remain about the ability of security forces to sustain long-term stability in the region.

The Nigerian military has in recent months stepped up offensives across the northwest, combining intelligence-led operations with aerial bombardments of suspected hideouts. Officials maintain that these efforts are yielding positive results, pointing to increased neutralisation of criminal elements and the rescue of kidnapped victims in separate operations.

However, experts caution that while military action is crucial, a lasting solution will require a broader approach, including improved policing, community engagement, and addressing underlying socio-economic challenges that fuel insecurity.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations until all criminal groups are dismantled, urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.

Nigerian Army Neutralises 65 Bandits in Major Zamfara Offensive

Oyebamiji Offers Scholarships to Children of Osogbo Rainstorm Victim

Osogbo, Osun State — The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has announced full educational scholarships up to university level for the four children of a woman who died during a recent rainstorm in Osogbo.

Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, made the declaration on Sunday during a condolence visit to the family of the late Jemilat Ganiyu, who lost her life in the devastating storm that struck the Osun State capital last week.

The APC candidate also directed the immediate opening of a special bank account for the children, through which he pledged to provide consistent financial support for their education from primary school through tertiary level.

The beneficiaries include Tijani Faruk, a Junior Secondary School 2 student; Tijani Mariam, a Senior Secondary School 2 student; Tijani Fatimah, currently in SS3; and Tijani Haliah, a Primary 6 pupil.

Speaking during the visit, Oyebamiji expressed sadness over the tragic incident, noting that death remains an inevitable end for all mortals. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family, particularly the parents of the deceased, and prayed for strength to bear the loss.

In addition to the condolence visit, Oyebamiji also visited victims of the rainstorm receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital. He offered prayers for their quick recovery and made financial donations to support their treatment.

He further instructed his aides to document the details of a critically ill patient whose parents sought his assistance during the hospital visit.

Members of the deceased’s family commended Oyebamiji for his gesture, offering prayers for his success in the forthcoming governorship election.

The APC candidate was accompanied by several party leaders and associates, including former and serving public office holders, during the visits.

Oyebamiji Offers Scholarships to Children of Osogbo Rainstorm Victim

Bandits Kill Two Abducted Women in Kaduna After Ransom Payment

Armed bandits have killed two women among 14 people abducted from Janjala community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in a development that has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in the region.

The victims were part of a group kidnapped during a March 1, 2026 attack on the community, which included a vigilante member, his wife, and 12 other residents. The incident is the latest in a string of violent kidnappings affecting rural communities across northern Nigeria.

According to local sources, the kidnappers initially demanded a ₦14 million ransom, which families struggled to raise amid economic hardship. After weeks of appeals and negotiations, relatives were able to gather ₦13 million, which was delivered to the abductors at a location near the Hayin Dam forest in neighbouring Kaduna State’s Kachia Local Government Area.

Following the payment, the bandits released the female captives but held back the male victims, insisting that the remaining ₦1 million balance and additional food supplies must be provided before their release.

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However, shortly after the ransom exchange, the kidnappers reportedly disclosed that two of the women had already been killed while in captivity. Community and security sources confirmed the deaths, describing the incident as deeply disturbing.

According to multiple accounts, the victims were allegedly shot after resisting attempts by some of the bandits to sexually assault them. The act has drawn condemnation from residents, who say such brutality reflects the growing desperation and lawlessness among criminal groups operating in the region.

A community leader confirmed the development, saying families were informed of the killings after the ransom had been delivered. A security source also corroborated the incident but declined to provide further operational details.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Hassan Mansur, were unsuccessful, and no official statement had been issued regarding the killings or ongoing rescue efforts.

The incident underscores the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where bandit groups frequently carry out kidnappings for ransom, targeting vulnerable rural communities. Despite ongoing military operations, attacks continue to disrupt livelihoods, heighten fear, and place financial strain on affected families.

Security analysts warn that the persistence of such attacks highlights gaps in intelligence, response coordination, and community protection. They have called for intensified operations, improved surveillance of forest enclaves, and stronger support systems for victims.

Residents of Janjala and surrounding communities have also urged authorities to take decisive action to secure the area and ensure the safe release of the remaining captives.

Bandits Kill Two Abducted Women in Kaduna After Ransom Payment