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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
Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies
By: Michael Mike
Governors of the six Northeast states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba have called for a reappraisal of strategies in the ongoing war against insurgency in the region.
Rising from the 11th Meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) held in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital on Thursday, the governors, in a communique, noted with dismay the rising activities of the insurgents in the subregion and called for the armed forces, other security agencies and community leaders to reappraise their strategy in the counter insurgency onslaught in the region.
The Forum while commending the Federal Government in its effort at improving the security of the country and resolve to collaborate and support in all matters to address emerging security issues in the country. however noted that addressing the security challenge in the Northeast requires a multidimensional approach of not only the kinetic strategy but also addressing the root causes such as youth employment through vocational and technical education, improved road networks, improving education and reducing poverty.
The Forum promised its commitment to addressing the issues of security by tackling the current situation while addressing some of the root causes.
The Forum also noted that the poor road network in the subregion is contributing to the insecurity in the region, and called on Mr. President to as a matter of urgent concern address the issue of abandoned project which is critical to addressing poverty, insecurity and general underdevelopment of the subregion.
The Forum also recommitted itself to the opening up of the subregion to investment opportunities, agriculture for food security, combating climate change, skills acquisition and the industrialization of the subregion to provide employment to the teeming youths who are vulnerable to recruitment into the army of the insurgents.
It also noted the role of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) in the development of the subregion and
called on the Commission to be more engaging with the various state governments on development needs and prioritize transportation infrastructure, education, and health, while equally calling on the Commission to rededicate itself to its core mandate which is to rebuild the subregion after the devastation of the insurgency and be more proactive in the delivery of existing project in the subregion by keeping track with project delivery timelines.
The Forum noted the significance of the Nigerian Law school Yola Campus within the region and resolved to support its
expansion by providing additional hostel accommodation, water supply and other facilities to improve the admission capacity of the campus and make it more conducive for training, and resolved to work closely with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) by providing office space in each state, support the enrolment of Almajiri and out-of-school children into formal school, provision of vocational and technical education as well as develop a unified approach to addressing the menace in the subregion.
The next date for the meeting was fixed for 27th – 29th, July, 2025 in Jalingo, Taraba state, and at the meeting were Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, with the Governor of Bauchi state represented by the Deputy Governor
Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies
Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks
…… Call for community engagement and collaboration with security agencies
By: Our Reporter
In Rann, the Borno State Deputy Governor His Excellency Dr Umar Kadafur led a government delegation on a condolence visit to Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area.
It could be recalled that a few days ago at the Furunduma area in Kala balge, an IED explosion claimed lives of over twenty people and some injured during the attack that claimed several lives and suspected to be a Boko Haram insurgents.
During the visit, the Deputy Governor and other members of the delegation prayed for the departed souls and wished them eternal rest . They also prayed for the families and the entire community to bear the irreparable loss.
Dr Kadafur condemned in the strongest terms the heinous act of the insurgents, calling for intense prayers to avert future occurrences and emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts with security operatives to sustain peace that was regained in the region.
The delegation visited Rann General Hospital to sympathize with those injured in the attack, praying for their quick recovery. The Deputy Governor announced that all medical bills for the injured would be covered.
The Deputy Governor made cash donations of N300,000 to families of the 27 affected victims and also a cash support as a morale booster to military personnel, Police force, Local vigilante, Kesh Kesh and Civilian JTF , including youths group at Rann.
The Chairman of Kala Balge Local Government Area, Hon. Zanna Ajid Musa Ajid expressed gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum , Deputy Governor, and the delegation for their timely support and condolences.
…….. In Chibok LGA
The delegation led by His Excellency, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur also proceeded to Chibok town on a similar condolence visit to the families of affected attack by Boko Haram insurgents, whereby fourteen people were killed, church and houses were burnt down with properties worth millions of Naira.
The deputy governor said, “We were here to sympathise with you and the families of recent attacks, lives and properties were lost whereby we can only condone you and pray for the deceased. We are here to support the families and victims but we cannot replace what has been lost, life is irreparable “.
Dr Kadafur condemned the attack and supported the families with similar cash support of 300,000 to victims families, assured that the government will support them in rebuilding their destroyed church and houses.
Members of the delegation which includes
Member Borno State House of Assembly representing kala Balge LGA Hon.Dige Mohammed , Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Former Chairman kala Balge LGA Zanna Jabu. Member House of Assembly representing chibok LGA, Former Chairman chibok and Hon.Hauwa Mai Musa .
Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks
One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
A man was killed and another critically injured on Tuesday night following an ambush by unknown gunmen in Kum village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims, identified as Joshua Ezekiel, 48, and Dung Jatau, 51, were reportedly riding on a motorcycle along the Riyom to Kum road at about 8:15 p.m. when they were attacked by armed men who opened fire on them.
Residents said the injured were rushed to the General Hospital in Riyom, where Ezekiel was pronounced dead on arrival. Jatau is currently receiving medical treatment and is said to be in stable condition.
Tension remains high in the area as locals express concern over the safety of rural commuters, especially during evening hours.
Community leaders in Riyom have called for calm and urged residents to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers.
Police said they have lunched investigation into the incident.
One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom
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