Crime
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 43 Fulani herders have been killed in a series of coordinated attacks by suspected vigilante groups across parts of Kebbi and Niger States, according to community sources and local leaders.
Zagazola Makama report that the attacks, which occurred between Oct. 24 and 26, affected several rural settlements in Argungu, Arewa, and Bunza Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, where armed vigilantes reportedly invaded Fulani communities, killing dozens and setting houses ablaze.
In Lailaba District of Argungu LGA, particularly at Maini Fulani settlement, and in Bui and Tilli districts of Arewa and Bunza LGAs respectively, at least 37 people were killed, several others injured, and more than 200 houses destroyed. Many residents, including women and children, were displaced, while some persons remain missing.
Eyewitnesses said the attacks were carried out by groups of vigilantes who stormed the herders’ camps, shooting sporadically and torching homes. The violence was said to have begun on Oct. 24 in Argungu, followed by another on Oct. 25 in Bunza, and a third on Oct. 26 in Bui.
Community members alleged that the assailants came from neighbouring villages in Arewa LGA, including Yeldu District, while others involved in the Bui incident were said to have come from Tunga Bature, Tunga Tsoho, Bui, Sangela, and Danmairago villages.
Authorities in Kebbi have since visited the affected areas, promising to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The state government also assured displaced families of support and called for calm to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, similar violence was reported in Edati Local Government Area of Niger State, where six Fulani herders were killed and more than 60 houses burnt on Sept. 21 in Ejjin, Runji, Majina, and Ginshi villages.
Such acts of reprisal and mob justice could worsen communal relations and heighten insecurity across the affected states.
Reacting to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the attacks in a statement issued in Abuja by the association’s National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo.
The group described the killings and destruction of herders’ settlements as unjustified and inhumane, calling for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved.
MACBAN lamented that herders in the region were already contending with the activities of armed bandits locally referred to as Lakurawa, who extort illegal taxes, seize livestock, and terrorise rural dwellers.
“Now, in addition to these threats, peaceful herders are being attacked by vigilantes acting outside the law. Allowing people to take the law into their hands will only worsen insecurity across the state,” the statement warned.
The group further expressed grief over a similar incident in Niger State, where six Fulani herders were killed and more than 60 houses burnt by vigilantes on Sept. 21, 2025, in the communities of Ejjin, Runji, Majina, and Ginshi in Edati Local Government Area.
MACBAN said the violence followed a misunderstanding between a farmer and a herder, after which some vigilantes mobilised and attacked herders’ homes while the herder involved was already in police custody.
The association commended the Governor of Niger State for his prompt intervention, which prevented the crisis from escalating further.
MACBAN, however, called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to urgently address the rising wave of insecurity affecting rural communities across the country, noting that the situation had severely impacted livestock rearing and farming activities.
“The security crisis in rural areas demands immediate and coordinated attention from all tiers of government to protect lives and livelihoods,” Gotomo stated.
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected spy and neutralised two terrorists in separate operations in Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East theatre.
According to sources, the troops of 198 Special Forces Battalion apprehended a suspected spy on 25 April 2026 at about 21:40 hours while conducting surveillance operations along a parapet area within their operational environment.
The suspect was reportedly observed through while conducting reconnaissance on troop dispositions before attempting to conceal himself in nearby shrubs.
The sources stated that troops on standing patrol swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect, who could not provide any identification details and declined to give information during preliminary questioning.
He is currently in custody for further interrogation to determine his motive and possible links to hostile elements operating in the area.
In a separate development within the same theatre, troops also repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists around Buratai District in Biu Local Government Area.
The encounter, which occurred late on 25 April 2026, resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists, with troops recovering a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition after the attackers were forced to withdraw in disarray.
Military authorities noted that the general security situation remains fluid but under close monitoring, while reaffirming that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remain high as counter-terrorism operations continue across the region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army Delta Force, have arrested two suspected cattle rustlers during a routine security operation in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State.
Sources said the suspects were apprehended on April 25 at about 1600 hours inside an excavation area near the Tango 8 General Post ahead of the Marlians Mammy area.
The suspects were identified as Malam Modu Kur and Baba Goni Bacha, aged 20 and 16 respectively.
According to the sources, a search of the area did not yield further incriminating items, but troops recovered two mobile phones, a Bluetooth earpod, a cutlass, a bow and arrow, and three bottles of water from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the movement of the suspects within the anti-vehicle ditch raised suspicion among troops on duty, leading to their interception and arrest.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the relevant military intelligence unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation, the statement added, was conducted without resistance and in line with ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling and other criminal activities within the theatre of operations.
Zagazola reports that military authorities have continued intensified patrols and clearance operations across parts of Borno and surrounding areas in a bid to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier during a routine security operation in Kurnari area of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola that the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Prilla Bulama Ali, was arrested on April 24 at about 4:25 p.m. following credible intelligence and a three-week surveillance operation.
The suspect was intercepted at a checkpoint mounted by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion in collaboration with local vigilantes.
According to the source, the suspect was found in possession of a tricycle loaded with petrol, alongside mobile phones, a power bank, a debit card, a national identity card, a cutlass, and other suspected incriminating items including charms.
The source said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was heading towards Helmajibir general area in Biu Local Government Area when he was apprehended.
He added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military sources said that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and deny insurgents access to supplies and local collaborators in the North-East theatre of operations.
Military authorities assured that operations under Operation Hadin Kai would continue to intensify pressure on terrorist elements until normalcy is fully restored in the region.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
Buratai Lauds Troops’ Gains Against Terrorism, Urges Sustained Support
Nigeria Scales Up Malaria Vaccination as MSF Warns of Deadly Link with Child Malnutrition
NDLEA Intercepts ‘Terror Drug’ Captagon in Kwara, Arrests Suspects Nationwide in Major Anti-Narcotics Sweep
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
