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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
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, the deployment of technology to strengthen border security, and the entrenchment of financial integrity across public institutions.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming the nation’s correctional system remains a top priority, stressing that the focus must extend beyond incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, those in custody must be treated with dignity and given opportunities to return to society better than they came,” he said.
He noted that the shift from the Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act marked a deliberate transition toward a system that prioritizes reformation over mere detention.
On border management and internal security, the Minister disclosed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records compiled from operations at seaports and airports, with ongoing integration of land border data.
According to him, the system enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, aligning with modern security strategies that prioritize proactive measures over reactive responses.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he added.
Addressing financial governance, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strengthening internal controls across government institutions, noting that preventive mechanisms are more effective than post-incident audits.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The goal is to build systems that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
He called on professional bodies such as ICAN to deepen their collaboration with government, particularly in areas of revenue assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability, while also encouraging stronger public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and boost investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, pointing out that innovative funding models, including private sector participation, would be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tunji-Ojo also congratulated ICAN on its leadership and its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026, assuring the institute of government support. He further commended the increasing representation of women in professional leadership, describing it as a positive sign for the future.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya applauded the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
He explained that the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review, with the aim of reducing leakages and strengthening accountability across government operations.
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.
They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.
The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.
They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised several Boko Haram terrorists during an ambush operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:33 a.m. on April 13 when an ambush team of 202 Battalion deployed at Bravo Kilo sighted a terrorist crossing the parapet at a defensive company location.
According to the sources, the troops engaged and neutralised five of the suspect on sight.
The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing clearance and ambush missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the North-East theatre.
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Troops rescue injured herder, foil attack by Berom Militia in Plateau
Police arrest suspected foreign bandits in Benue
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