News
Rising Tensions in Zamfara as war of supremacy is set to begin between Bandits and LAKURAWA militants
Rising Tensions in Zamfara as war of supremacy is set to begin between Bandits and LAKURAWA militants
By: Zagazola Makama
The intricate dynamics of banditry in Northwest Nigeria have taken a significant turn, with prominent leaders Dogo Gide and Najaja navigating an evolving challenge posed by the presence of the Lakurawa faction. This faction, which has established a camp in Bagega, Zamfara State, has reportedly sought to recruit these bandit leaders into its plans of creating an “Islamic state.” However, their refusal has not only strained relations but also set the stage for a potential confrontation.
In the volatile landscape of the brewing conflict between the notorious bandit leaders and a formidable militant group threatens to plunge the region into further chaos. Dogo Gide and Najaja, two prominent bandit leaders, find themselves at a critical crossroads as they confront the encroaching presence of Lakurawa, a group.
The stakes are high for Gide and Najaja. The presence of Lakurawa not only challenges their authority but also invites an increased military presence in the region, a scenario that could disrupt their operations and lead to violent confrontations. Local communities, however, are caught in a complex web of conflicting desires; they pray for a resolution to the banditry that has plagued their lives, even as they yearn for more robust security measures to protect them from both bandit attacks and the looming threat of Lakurawa.
One other disturbing trend was the infiltration of a six-member Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making team from Nigeria’s northeastern region into the northwest and north-central areas. Trained by NANAYE, a former Boko Haram IED expert who has since surrendered. These individuals have already made their way to the camps of the insurgents in Niger and Zamfara states.
The implications of their presence are dire. A series of recent Remote Controlled Suicide Bombing (RSBIED) incidents four recorded in Zamfara and two in Niger State have been linked to this IED group. The group’s activities have raised alarms among security agencies and local populations alike, as the sophistication of these attacks indicates a significant escalation in the tactics employed by bandit factions.
The timeline of violence in the region has been alarming. On December 7, 2024, the first RSBIED incident occurred along the major supply route (MSR) connecting Angwan Usman and Bassa in Shiroro Local Government Area, resulting in the tragic death of a bicycle rider. Just days later, on December 19, another RSBIED attack took place in Bassa Village, claiming the lives of five individuals and injuring three others.
This incident was particularly chilling; the attackers employed a dual-layered strategy, with one explosive designed to detonate upon contact and a second set to trigger in response to rescue efforts. Victims of the December 19 incident were swiftly evacuated to IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, Niger State, but the scars of violence run deep. Families mourn their losses, and the fear of further attacks looms large over the region.
The IED group is believed to operate within camps led by: Sadikku’s JAS faction in Allawa-Madawaki, Niger State. Turji and Dogo Auta’s factions in Barikin Daji and Dan Bagudu Hills, Talata Mafara LGA, Zamfara State.
These groups, leveraging their deep entrenchment in the region, appear to be integrating IED strategies into their operational arsenal, intensifying the threat to civilians and security forces alike.
Regional Implications
The presence of Lakurawa and the integration of IED tactics signal a troubling shift in the conflict landscape. For communities in Zamfara and Niger states, the stakes are high. Many are calling for sustained military intervention and strategies that address both the immediate threats and the underlying drivers of insecurity.
As tensions simmer among bandit factions and the use of IEDs becomes more frequent, the need for a coordinated and robust security response has never been more urgent. Local leaders and security experts are urging a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to stabilize the region and restore normalcy.
In this climate of uncertainty, the Nigerian government and security forces must act decisively to address the threats posed by both bandits and militant groups. Failure to do so could result in a humanitarian crisis, further destabilizing an already fragile region and leaving its inhabitants vulnerable to the ravages of violence and insecurity. The time for action is now, before the situation spirals beyond control.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Rising Tensions in Zamfara as war of supremacy is set to begin between Bandits and LAKURAWA militants
News
Army troops recover 70 rustled livestock after gun duel with bandits in Katsina
Army troops recover 70 rustled livestock after gun duel with bandits in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in Katsina have recovered 70 goats and several sheep after engaging suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
Sources indicated that the incident occurred on Oct. 25, 2025, at about 11:50 p.m., when armed men suspected to be bandits loyal to a notorious leader known as “Abaku Aiki” who reportedly distanced himself from the recent peace accord invaded Ganjar and Alhazawa, two remote villages under Bakori LGA.
The bandits reportedly kidnapped an unspecified number of residents and rustled several domestic animals during the attack.
The troops in collaboration with other security agencies intercepted the bandits at Laila Forest. A sustained exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon the stolen animals and flee into the forest.
The sources confirmed that 70 goats and some sheep were successfully recovered, while efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing bandits and rescue the abducted victims.
The troops assured residents of continuous patrol and collaboration with security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the area.
Army troops recover 70 rustled livestock after gun duel with bandits in Katsina
News
Mother, daughter drown while returning from farm in Hawul, Borno
Mother, daughter drown while returning from farm in Hawul, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Tragedy struck in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State as a woman and her daughter drowned while returning home from the farm.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims Habiba Abubakar, 35, and her daughter, Adama Abubakar, 9, both of Ghung Village drowned while attempting to cross a river on Oct. 26, 2025, at about 1:15 p.m.
According to the sources , police and local divers later recovered the bodies from the water, and no marks of violence were found on them.
Photographs were taken for record purposes before the corpses were evacuated to the General Hospital, Garkida, in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State, where they were certified dead on arrival by a medical doctor.
The remains have since been released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.
The sources said that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Maiduguri, has commenced further investigation into the incident.
Mother, daughter drown while returning from farm in Hawul, Borno
Military
Troops neutralise four ISWAP logistics suppliers in multiple ambushes in Borno
Troops neutralise four ISWAP logistics suppliers in multiple ambushes in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised four Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics suppliers in a series of coordinated ambush operations conducted across multiple locations in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources revealed on Monday, that the ambushes were part of Operation Desert Sanity IV/Diligent Search.
The sources said that the troops carried out three separate ambushes on October 25, 2025, at different terrorist crossing points around Kukauku, Delta Company Kawuri, and Alou Dam, all within Konduga axis.
“At about 11:35 a.m., troops of 222 Battalion conducted an ambush at Kuka Uku crossing point in Delta Company Kawuri, where one terrorist logistics supplier was neutralised,” the report stated.
It added that another ambush team positioned ahead of Charlie Company in Konduga LGA successfully neutralised one more terrorist logistics supplier.
“In a separate operation, an ambush team lying in wait at a crossing point in Alpha Company, Alou Dam, neutralised two additional terrorist logistics suppliers,” the sources said.
The operations were conducted without any casualties on the part of the troops, while the four neutralised suspects were confirmed to be affiliated with Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The sources added that the general security situation in the area remained calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and combat readiness.
The sources further noted that the coordinated ambushes were part of ongoing clearance and interdiction operations aimed at cutting off terrorists’ supply routes and denying them freedom of movement within the North-East theatre.
Troops neutralise four ISWAP logistics suppliers in multiple ambushes in Borno
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