Bandits

Armed gangs, referred to as 'bandits,' killed more than 20 people in Zamfara state, Nigeria. These groups frequently raid villages, steal livestock, and kidnap residents for ransom in northwestern and central Nigeria.

Police in Katsina engaged bandits in a gunfight, leading to the bandits fleeing and the rescue of two kidnapping victims. The operation resulted in the successful recovery of the victims.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration's refusal to negotiate with bandits, emphasizing sustained military operations against criminals. Meanwhile, more kidnapping victims were rescued in Kwara and Borno states.

Nigerian troops conducted 14,221 security operations from January to June 2026, eliminating 1,597 criminals and rescuing 1,516 hostages. The operations targeted terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, arms traffickers, oil thieves, and other criminal elements across land, air, and maritime theatres.

Suspected bandits blocked the Bakori–Guga road in Katsina State and abducted nine travellers returning from the weekly Bakori market. Community leaders confirmed the incident.

Bandits attacked and burned the Central Primary School in Dekara, Niger, despite having collected a N10m levy from local communities. Residents reported the incident to Premium Times.

At least seven people were killed in a bandit attack on Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The attack has raised concerns about recent security gains claimed by authorities following intensified military operations in the region.

Police have denied claims that a viral motorcycle video shows armed bandits, stating the riders are actually vigilantes and hunters. The clarification followed online speculation about the riders being bandits operating freely in the state.

Nigerian troops conducted a military offensive that overran a bandits' camp in Kogi, rescuing two victims. The bandits had operated in the Niger-Kwara-Kogi axis prior to the operation.

The Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government. Gov Lawal commended the police for this successful operation.

Residents in Sokoto express fresh fears as bandits are allegedly undergoing weapons training, raising concerns about their regrouping despite ongoing military operations in the region.

Troops overran a bandits’ camp in Kogi, rescuing two victims, according to an official. The bandits previously operated around the Niger-Kwara-Kogi axis before the military offensive.

Security operatives found Owa-Onire town in Kwara State deserted after repeated bandit attacks.

Police in Kebbi arrested 11 individuals suspected of involvement with Lakurawa terrorists, bandits, and Boko Haram-affiliated groups. The arrests were linked to activities associated with these criminal networks.

Bandits in Nigeria killed four farmers and abducted 12 others in an attack in Sokoto. The incident occurred on Tuesday while the victims were working on farms near the community.

Hauwa'u Mukhtar was sentenced to death by a Katsina High Court for trafficking ammunition to bandits. The trial occurred in Suit No. KTH/65C/2023 before Justice A.B. Bawale.

Bandits killed four farmers and abducted 12 others in an attack in Sokoto, Nigeria. The incident occurred on Tuesday while the victims were working on farms.

The Zamfara government mourns the deaths of three police officers killed by bandits using an explosive device along Bagega Road in Anka local government area while on operational duty.

A Katsina businessman named Bala Sanin Kawo was reportedly killed by bandits days after he was abducted in Dandume Local Government Area. The bandits had collected a ransom before his death.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to ending terrorism following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted and died in captivity.

Police in Zamfara averted a deadly attack by destroying a bandit-planted explosive device. The device was intended to target road users and commuters.

Rabe Abubakar was abducted along with his wife by bandits in the northwest. The government stated he died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

Rabe Abubakar, a retired major general and former defense information director, died in bandits' custody. The Katsina State Government confirmed his death.

Governor Radda urges bandits operating in forests across the North-west to lay down their arms and return to their communities. The article is published by Premium Times Nigeria.

Miss UNIJOS queen recounts how bandits killed her fiancé in Kaduna. Their wedding was scheduled for 27 December 2026, and preparations were underway.

Police are investigating the originators of a fake report claiming a herder attack on an Enugu school. A similar incident in Akwa Ibom State led to the arrest of Akaninyene Udo over a false Facebook post about bandits planning an attack.

At least 50 elders from Magamin Diddi village in Zamfara State were kidnapped during a reconciliation meeting with Jammo, a notorious bandit kingpin in charge of Muntsira Forest in Maradun local government area.

Bandits abducted 39 elders from a 50-member delegation in Zamfara after a failed reconciliation meeting. The delegation met a notorious bandit leader despite the state government's opposition to such negotiations.

The Akwa Ibom Police Command arrested a resident over a viral Facebook post alleging a planned attack by bandits. This follows the previous arrests of social media commenter Godsown Udoito and activist Manfred Ekpe.

The article discusses President Tinubu's potential to emulate Obasanjo's aggressive tactics in combating terrorism and banditry, urging him to use his powers to address insecurity and uphold the rule of law. It emphasizes the need for decisive action against the 'insanity' causing instability in Nigeria.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has urged residents to legally acquire weapons to defend against bandit attacks. The call comes amid persistent insecurity in the region.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, urged residents to legally acquire weapons to defend against bandit attacks. The call comes amid persistent insecurity in the region.