Troops Arrest Fulani Youth Leader Over Deadly Kaduna Community Attack

Troops Arrest Fulani Youth Leader Over Deadly Kaduna Community Attack

Troops of Sector 7 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a Fulani youth leader, Zakari Yahu Adamu, in connection with the recent terrorist attack on Naridon Community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State that left over 30 people dead. Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed on his X (formerly Twitter) account that Adamu was apprehended on Wednesday at Fadan Chanwe following intelligence-led investigations into the incident. The suspect, who serves as a Fulani youth leader in the area, is currently in military custody as investigators work to determine the extent of his involvement and identify other individuals connected to the attack. The arrest comes nearly two weeks after the deadly assault on Naridon Community, which occurred late Sunday, July 26, 2026, when unidentified gunmen invaded the remote village around 11:00 p.m., opening fire on residents and setting houses and shops ablaze.

Local sources confirmed that more than 30 people, including children, women, and the elderly, were killed in the attack. In one heartbreaking case, five siblings from the same family—Deborah Emmanuel, Friday Emmanuel, Yusuf Emmanuel, Yunana Emmanuel, and Irimiya Emmanuel—lost their lives while their parents escaped. Dogon Rana, secretary to the village head, reported that the gunmen surrounded the remote community and attacked indiscriminately, with the assault lasting approximately three hours. A resident, Barnabas Musa, told AFP that at least 30 dead bodies were gathered, including women and children. Community leader Yunusa Babados recounted that attackers broke into family homes, with one household losing six children. The attackers reportedly told the parents: “We will spare you and kill all your children.”

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The Naridon community shares a border with Plateau State, an area that has experienced recurring herder-farmer clashes and communal tensions for years. Former Chairman of Kauru LGA, Musa Waziri, confirmed that the area has faced repeated security challenges, though he cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the incident’s cause. Residents noted that security forces arrived after the attackers had already departed, highlighting longstanding concerns about response times in rural communities. Naridon reportedly lacks a motorable access road, making it difficult for security personnel and emergency responders to reach the area promptly. The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) condemned the attack and called on the Kaduna State Police Command to strengthen security across vulnerable communities. Amnesty International also condemned the killings, describing it as one of the deadliest recent assaults on communities in Southern Kaduna, and urged authorities to ensure accountability and improve civilian protection.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani condemned the killings and extended condolences to the affected families. He directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to survivors. The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, stated that the government received news of the attack with “deep sorrow” and has directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The government also announced plans to strengthen security cooperation with Plateau State, traditional institutions, and security agencies along the border.

The arrest of Zakari Yahu Adamu is part of sustained intelligence-led operations by Operation Enduring Peace aimed at tracking down those responsible for violent attacks and dismantling criminal networks operating in Kaduna State. Security sources confirmed that Adamu was apprehended at approximately 4:00 p.m. on August 6 at Fadan Chanwe in Kauru LGA. His arrest follows a separate operation by troops of Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace, which resulted in the detention of another suspect, Salihu Miakailu, 48, in Bassa LGA of Plateau State on August 3. Investigations are continuing to determine the full scope of involvement and identify other individuals linked to the Naridon attack. Security authorities have indicated that they would sustain offensive and intelligence operations to improve security and prevent further attacks across affected communities in Kaduna State.

Troops Arrest Fulani Youth Leader Over Deadly Kaduna Community Attack