Crime
Armed Groups Attack Zamfara Communities, Kill Several, Rustle Cattle
Armed Groups Attack Zamfara Communities, Kill Several, Rustle Cattle
By: Zagazola Makama
Several people have been killed, others injured, and many displaced following a series of violent attacks on communities in Zamfara State between March 20 and 21, 2025.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that three attacks, suspected to be carried out by both armed bandits affected villages in Talata-Mafara, Bukkuyum, and Kaura-Namoda Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In Tudun-Biri village, Talata-Mafara LGA, suspected bandits stormed a Fulani settlement around 10:30 a.m. on March 20, setting houses on fire. The attack left one person dead, while several others fled their homes.
Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers, torching huts and destroying properties, leaving the community in chaos. Many of the displaced residents are now seeking refuge in nearby villages.
Gunmen Raid CJTF Camp in Bukkuyum
Later in the evening, around 6:32 p.m., a heavily armed group attempted to overrun a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) camp in Gurusu, Bukkuyum LGA. The vigilantes engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling them after an intense exchange of gunfire.
Despite their resistance, three CJTF operatives and three community members lost their lives, while one CJTF member was abducted by the attackers. Additionally, four others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a local medical facility for treatment. Sources in the area reported that the attackers retreated into the forest after suffering losses, but tensions remain high.
In another midnight attack on March 21, gunmen stormed Gidan Fulani village in Kaura-Namoda LGA, rustling an unspecified number of cattle before fleeing. Residents say the attackers fired warning shots to scare the villagers before making away with the livestock.
Security sources indicate that efforts are underway to track down the attackers and recover the stolen cattle. Authorities are monitoring the affected areas to prevent further violence, while local vigilante groups have stepped up patrols to protect vulnerable communities.
Armed Groups Attack Zamfara Communities, Kill Several, Rustle Cattle
Four children killed in Barkin Ladi reprisal attack as Plateau tensions escalate
By: Zagazola Makama
Four children were killed on Thursday in a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid rising tensions following recent attacks on herders and cattle rustling in the area.
The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred less than 48 hours after coordinated assaults on pastoral communities in Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom LGAs, during which no fewer than 168 cattle were rustled and several others poisoned.
Zagazola reports that on Wednesday evening, Militia from plateau rustled 137 cattle around Nding community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while another 34 cattle were driven away from Kukukah community in Jos East LGA, with only three later returning.
Less than 24 hours later, nine cows reportedly died after grazing on poisoned substances around Kwi village in Riyom LGA, further heightening tension across the affected areas.
A community leader in Foron District, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Dorong attack was carried out in the early hours of Thursday.
“The atmosphere has been tense since the cattle rustling incidents. People have been living in fear, warning that reprisals were imminent if nothing was done. Sadly, those fears have now materialised,” the source said.
Security sources confirmed the incident, adding that troops and other security operatives had been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm.
We therefore renewed calls on the Plateau State Government and concerned security agencies to urgently intervene, arrest perpetrators on all sides, and address the underlying causes of the recurring violence.
Zagazola warned that without decisive action, including accountability for cattle rustling, livestock poisoning and retaliatory attacks, Plateau State risks sinking deeper into another cycle of reprisals that continues to claim innocent lives, particularly women and children.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the Dorong incident.
Four children killed in Barkin Ladi reprisal attack as Plateau tensions escalate
Troops neutralise three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout in Bakin Kogi, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Zagazola gathered the operation, carried out on 11 December, was part of intensified efforts to clear criminal elements from the Joint Operations Area ahead of the yuletide celebrations.
The troops came under fire as they approached the hideout, but responded with superior firepower, overwhelming the armed gang.
Sources said the troops later conducted a sweep of the area and discovered the corpses of three suspected kidnappers neutralised during the exchange.
According to the source, the suspects were identified as members of a notorious syndicate responsible for multiple abductions and attacks on commuters along the Dangoma–Godogodo axis of Jema’a LGA.
He added that troops had launched follow-up operations to track down fleeing members of the group and dismantle their remaining networks.
The operation, he said, reflected the military’s sustained push to enhance security within Kaduna State and neighbouring areas.
Troops neutralise three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
Kwara police intercept illegal firearms, arrest four suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Kwara state have intercepted a cache of illegal firearms and arrested four suspects during a routine stop-and-search operation along Sabongida Road.
According to sources, on 11 December 2025 at about 0845 hours, operatives from Jebba Division apprehended Musa Mohammed and Musa Abdullahi, both residents of Saorami, Masegun LGA, Niger State.
The suspects were found in possession of six locally made AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four cartridges, and one expended AK-47 round concealed inside a bag.
Interrogation revealed that the firearms were intended for delivery to two other suspects, Mohammad Umoru and Magin Isah of Shonga, who were subsequently arrested.
All four suspects have been handed over to the IRT operatives on special duties in Kwara State for further investigation.
Kwara police intercept illegal firearms, arrest four suspects
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