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 foil attack on commuters, kill eight terrorists in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with hybrid forces, have foiled a planned terrorist attack on commuters along the Kakumi–Guga Road in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, neutralising eight suspected terrorists.
Security sources disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that armed terrorists loyal to a notorious kingpin, identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were planning to attack motorists and other road users along the route.
According to the sources, the terrorists were sighted advancing towards the target area on five motorcycles, prompting troops and the hybrid forces to swiftly mobilise and establish a carefully coordinated ambush along their likely route.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, during which eight of the assailants were neutralised.
Following the operation, the troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles used by the terrorists.
The sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area through aggressive patrols and surveillance operations to forestall any retaliatory attacks against nearby communities and commuters.
The successful operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorists freedom of movement and improve security across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
Troops foil attack on commuters, kill eight terrorists in Katsina
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Supplier with Motorcycle Tyres in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Zarami Ali, 27, a native of Ngirya Village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area, was arrested at about 1:30 p.m. on July 7 during an intelligence-led operation.
According to the sources, the suspect was found in possession of five motorcycle tyres, which preliminary investigation indicated were intended for delivery to Boko Haram fighters operating in Ngirya Village.
The recovered tyres and the suspect have been taken into the custody of the 233 Tank Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics networks by intercepting supplies destined for insurgent enclaves across the North-East.
They added that sustained intelligence-driven operations targeting logistics suppliers and collaborators have continued to disrupt the movement of materials essential to the operations of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Supplier with Motorcycle Tyres in Yobe
Troops Arrest Wanted Suspect, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a wanted criminal and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Adamawa State.
Sources said that the suspect, Umar Sani, 27, was apprehended by troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) in collaboration with local hunters in Gombi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect had concealed an AK-47 rifle in his hometown of Kwashan, Toungo Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, troops deployed a patrol team to the community, where they recovered the assault rifle along with 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two AK-47 magazines.
The sources said the suspect and the recovered weapon had been taken into military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
They noted that the arrest was part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt criminal and terrorist networks operating within the North-East and adjoining areas.
Troops Arrest Wanted Suspect, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Adamawa
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