Crime
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
By: Our Reporter
Bandits reportedly levied three communities in Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara state, Northwest Nigeria, N3 million each (about $3000 USD) to a notorious bandit kingpin, known as Dan Bokolo, in order to avert attacks by the group terrorizing the communities.
NEWSng also gathered that the payment is believed to be a consequence of the alleged provision of information to security operatives by residents of Kamarawa, Sabuwar Kamarawa, and Gebe that led to the arrest of Dan Bokolo’s brother, Abdullahi.
While the state governor, Dauda Lawal, has maintained a stance against negotiating with terrorists, local sources indicate that the payment was made to ensure the safety of the communities.
According to a resident who spoke anonymously, the arrest of Abdullahi triggered tension as Dan Bokolo believed that individuals from these communities had betrayed his brother.
In an effort to broker peace, community elders engaged in negotiations with the terrorist. Eventually, Dan Bokolo agreed to accept a reduced sum of N3 million, down from his initial demand of N6 million, as compensation for the perceived betrayal.
Peace advocate and human rights activist Basharu Guyawa highlighted that such protection levies have become commonplace in eastern Sokoto and Zamfara.
While the communities have reportedly complied with the demands, concerns remain about the bandit’s commitment to refraining from future attacks.
Terrorists in Zamfara, as well as neighboring Sokoto and Katsina, have been known to impose levies on local communities.
This practice has been documented in previous instances, including the payment of N19 million by 14 communities in Anka Local Government to secure their safety and agricultural activities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Zamfara state governor on broadcast and public affairs, Mustapha Jafaru, clarified that the state government was not involved in the agreement.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has consistently emphasized that the government will not engage in negotiations with criminals,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the people of Zamfara State.
Recall that for over a decade, terrorists have operated in the northwestern region of Nigeria, with their activities escalating after the 2019 general election.
Terrorists have targeted travelers on major highways and carried out attacks on rural communities, leading to widespread insecurity and humanitarian concerns.
Basharu Guyawa, in his opinion, said that the levy being paid by these communities from previous payments as such is never a guarantee that the bandits will not attack again.
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
Gunmen abduct pastor, two others on farm in Kajuru LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted three persons, including a clergyman, at Bauda Village in Maro Community, Kajuru Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims, Rev. Anthony Lamba, 50, of ECWA Church Bauda Village, Christiana Anthony, and Danlami Zana, were seized while working on their farm on Friday afternoon.
Security forces were immediately mobilised to the scene, but the kidnappers had already fled with the victims to an unknown destination.
Efforts had been intensified to rescue the victims unhurt, while investigation into the incident is ongoing.
End
Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised three notorious terrorist kingpins during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
Zagazola Makama report that the operation was conducted on July 25 between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle District of the LGA.
During the operation, the troops neutralised the terrorists identified as Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu and Ali Yar Daribiyar, and recovered three AK-47 rifles with magazines and a motorcycle.
Sources told Zagazola that the terrorists and their foot soldiers were in the area to collect ransom and illegal levies imposed on residents when they were ambushed by the troops.
The source said the operation has triggered widespread relief and jubilation among residents of Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and nearby communities across Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs.
“These terrorists have long tormented the communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion, so this success is a huge morale boost for the people,” the source added.
The troops have continued to intensify kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the troops in sustaining momentum against criminal elements.
Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush
Two hunters killed, four injured in armed bandits’ ambush in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits suspected to be insurgents have killed two Hunters, operating under a local security outfit, and injured four others in a deadly ambush in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the incident occurred on July 24 at about 4:00 p.m. when the security team was on a routine patrol around Iburo village, located within the Galadiman-Kogo District.
The armed assailants, numbering in their dozens, opened fire on the patrol team, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Two members of the Hunters, identified as Jafaru Baba Ali and Baba Ustaz, both male, died in the attack, while four others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The injured personnel were evacuated and are currently receiving treatment at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, where medical officials confirmed they are responding positively.
Security sources said the bandits also suffered casualties during the shootout but managed to retreat into the forest.
Two hunters killed, four injured in armed bandits’ ambush in Niger
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