metro

Residents kill 37 bandits in Zamfara bloody encounter

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2024

Residents kill 37 bandits in Zamfara bloody encounter

At least 37 bandits were reportedly killed in Matusgi village, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after residents engaged a gang that had invaded the village with the intent to abduct locals.

According to an anonymous resident, the bandits arrived on motorbikes around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, aiming to carry out abductions, saying it was not the first time the villagers had confronted bandits, but it was the first instance where they managed to inflict significant casualties.

The resident said the bandits began their attack by firing sporadically to intimidate the community. However, the residents had been alerted in advance and were prepared when the bandits arrived. Armed with locally-made firearms, some villagers fought back, while others used traditional weapons to encircle the area and prevent the bandits from escaping.

After an hour of intense fighting, the bandits retreated, with 10 of their members reported dead. The residents then regrouped, strategised, and set up an ambush. When the bandits returned, the villagers launched another attack, ultimately killing 37 bandits in total.

The District Head of Matusgi, Alhaji Ciroma Muhammad, confirmed the incident, stating that three villagers were killed during the clash. He noted that neighbouring villages reported seeing the bandits transporting the bodies of their fallen comrades on motorbikes.

READ ALSO:

“This is the 13th time bandits have attacked this village,” Alhaji Muhammad said. “Three weeks ago, the bandits kidnapped 23 people, mostly women. They carried out the operation quietly, without firing any shots until after they had left. We only became aware of their departure when they fired a few shots in the distance.”

He added that the bandits had demanded a ransom of N150,000 per person. After payment, only seven of the abducted women were released, with the remaining hostages still in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has reported that troops on patrol have neutralised eight bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

The troops were on a fighting patrol in the Kampanin Doka area when they encountered the bandits. According to Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the troops engaged the bandits, killing seven on the spot.

He said a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered several items, including three AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines (four empty and four loaded with a total of 120 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition), one magazine carrier, six motorcycles, three mobile phones, two Baofeng radio sets and three pairs of civilian clothes.

He added that in the final stage of the patrol, the troops encountered additional bandits in the Gayam area, neutralising one more while the remaining bandits fled with gunshot wounds.

Residents kill 37 bandits in Zamfara bloody encounter

Related Topics:Bandits Residents Zamfara

Up Next

Troops neutralise 1,166 terrorists, arrest 1,096 suspects

Don't Miss

Prosecute Nigerian woman threatening to poison Yoruba, Benin people, Reps tell Canadian govt

metro

IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja

Published

25 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

One of the Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video and Police IG, Tunji Disu

IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the transfer of officers captured in a viral stop-and-search video to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.

The directive follows widespread public outrage over footage showing police officers allegedly harassing civilians during a roadside operation in Lagos.

The viral clip, which surfaced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showed officers stopping a vehicle and directing the occupants to step out before moving them away from where the car was parked to conduct a search. The action has triggered criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the legality and professionalism of such stop-and-search operations in Nigeria.

In the video, a voice behind the camera challenged the officers’ conduct, noting that searches are typically carried out at the point where a vehicle is stopped, not at a different location.

The Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) later confirmed that the officers involved had been identified, and that the Inspector-General had ordered immediate action.

READ ALSO:

According to the CRU, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Satellite Town Division has been directed to present the officers at the Force Headquarters on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The move is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to enforce accountability and address allegations of misconduct, especially amid growing public concern over police harassment in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Security experts say the swift directive signals a renewed commitment by police authorities to restore public trust and uphold professionalism within the Force.

The incident has once again spotlighted the need for stricter adherence to policing guidelines, particularly regarding citizens’ rights during routine checks. It also reinforces ongoing advocacy for transparency, including the right of citizens to record police activities in public spaces.

As investigations continue, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the disciplinary process will lead to concrete sanctions and reforms within the system.

IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja

metro

Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers

Published

44 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers

Suspected terrorists have launched a deadly assault on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, attacking two Christian worship centres during Easter celebrations and killing at least seven people, while abducting several others.

The coordinated attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has heightened fresh concerns over security in Southern Kaduna, especially during major religious events.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, reportedly arriving on motorcycles, before opening fire on worshippers gathered for Easter services. The gunmen targeted First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, shooting indiscriminately and causing chaos among congregants.

Mark Bawa, councillor representing Awon Ward, confirmed the incident, stating that the exact number of casualties is still being verified.

READ ALSO:

“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” he said.

Residents said the assailants surrounded the churches and operated for an extended period without resistance, a situation blamed partly on poor telecommunications coverage, which delayed distress calls and emergency response.

“The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” Bawa added.

Survivors revealed that several victims, including women and children, were abducted and forced into nearby forest areas, raising fears about their safety as rescue efforts continue.

Security operatives have reportedly been deployed to the area, with search-and-rescue operations underway. However, local sources fear the attackers may have retreated into forest corridors around Kachia and adjoining communities, known to harbour armed groups.

The latest violence comes barely two months after a similar attack in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where dozens of worshippers were abducted during a church gathering. That incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence in Kaduna communities.

Efforts to get an official response from the Kaduna State Police Command are ongoing, as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Analysts say the repeated targeting of rural communities during religious celebrations underscores the persistent insecurity in Kaduna State and the urgent need for improved intelligence, rapid response systems, and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations.

Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers

metro

Military Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers Weapons After Jos Crisis

Published

7 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Military Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers Weapons After Jos Crisis

The Nigerian Military has arrested two suspects and recovered weapons following a deadly crisis that hit several communities in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. The arrests were made to prevent further escalation and restore peace and security in the troubled region.

Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Officer for the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, explained that troops launched a comprehensive stop-and-search operation across the Jos metropolis on Friday. The operation focused on key flashpoints and major transit routes to identify and detain suspects linked to the violence.

During the operation, troops recovered a fabricated AK‑47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pump-action firearm with a cutlass. The arrests and recoveries were conducted in areas including Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-Cost Housing Estate.

READ ALSO:

In a simultaneous development, troops responded to a distress call involving sporadic shooting at the Yelwa Cattle Market in Shendam. Soldiers applied superior tactical pressure, forcing suspected gunmen to retreat into nearby forested areas, preventing further civilian casualties. Two residents who sustained gunshot injuries during the incident were evacuated for immediate medical attention.

The military emphasized that the arrests and weapons recovery are part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activity and restore lasting peace in Plateau State. Operation Enduring Peace continues to maintain a dominant security presence, particularly in flashpoint areas, and will persist until the threat of violence is fully neutralized.

Plateau State has faced recurrent insecurity in recent years, with conflicts often stemming from disputes between farmers, herders, and armed groups. Security analysts note that operations like these, combined with intelligence-led patrols, are critical in disrupting the activities of armed gangs and safeguarding local communities.

Captain Oteh reiterated the military’s commitment to ensuring stability and protection for residents. He affirmed that troops would continue to engage communities, enforce law and order, and carry out proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks of violence.

The arrests and recovery of illegal weapons have been welcomed by local leaders and residents, who continue to urge authorities to sustain these operations and promote reconciliation among affected communities.