Communities across the North West have expressed deep concerns over the resurgence of killings and abductions in the region, linking the fresh wave of violence to the withdrawal of military personnel.
In recent months, sustained airstrikes by the military had significantly weakened the influence of armed groups, particularly the Lakurawa sect and other terror factions operating in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. These operations brought a sense of security to residents, allowing them to resume their daily activities without fear.
However, locals now report a worsening situation, as bandits who were believed to have been neutralized have returned with greater force. The renewed attacks, particularly in rural areas and along major highways, have led to increased casualties and abductions.
Zamfara: Mass Kidnappings and Renewed Attacks
In Zamfara State, more than 30 women and children were recently abducted while collecting firewood in the forests of Maradun Local Government Area.
On Friday, armed men in large numbers blocked the Gummi-Anka road in broad daylight, reportedly killing two people and kidnapping several others. Similarly, in Rijiya village of Gusau Local Government Area, four residents lost their lives, and multiple individuals were taken captive.
Many locals attribute these attacks to the absence of military forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, whose withdrawal has emboldened the criminals.
Musa Umar, a resident of Rijiya village, described the dire security situation:
“The military is no longer present in our community, and the bandits now roam freely with their weapons. Just last Sunday, they kidnapped nine women and injured five others. We can hardly sleep at night because these criminals have returned and are targeting innocent people, especially those in remote villages.”
Another resident, Mohammed Ibrahim from Maru town, narrated his ordeal:
“They stormed my house and took my two daughters. Now, they are demanding ₦50 million as ransom. I have never seen that kind of money in my life.”
A farmer from Babbar Doka village in Dansadau Emirate, Abu Shehu, expressed frustration over the withdrawal of military air support, emphasizing that troops had been making progress before their sudden absence.
“We enjoyed some level of peace when military aircraft were patrolling the area regularly. But now, they have stopped coming, and the bandits are back in full force,” he lamented.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls at the time of filing this report.
Sokoto: Communities Plead for Government Intervention
Similar distressing reports have emerged from Sokoto and Kebbi states, where residents doubt the presence of security forces in their communities amid increasing attacks.
Mallam Abubakar Salisu, a resident of Rara in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto, confirmed a recent assault on his village in which over 20 people were kidnapped. He criticized the lack of government response despite repeated pleas for intervention.
“We have called on the government and security agencies multiple times, but they are yet to come. We need urgent action before more lives are lost.”
However, in Bale, a town in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Bashar acknowledged the presence of military forces. He commended their efforts in reducing attacks and urged the government to maintain security operations in the area.
“You cannot walk five minutes without seeing soldiers. They move in pairs, fully armed. This has given us hope, and we appeal to the government to keep them here.”
Kebbi: Government Denies Terrorist Involvement in Argungu Attack
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government has dismissed claims that a recent attack in Argungu Local Government Area was linked to the Lakurawa sect, instead labeling it as an armed robbery incident.
Speaking on the matter, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, clarified that security findings contradicted earlier reports.
“The incident in Argungu was a robbery, not a terrorist attack. The local government chairman was misquoted, and proper investigations have confirmed this.”
The attack, which occurred at around 8 p.m. last Thursday, saw armed assailants arriving on seven motorcycles. Two female attackers reportedly stood guard while their male counterparts looted a wholesale shop. One person was killed during the operation.
“The criminals demanded CFA Francs instead of naira, and when they couldn’t get enough, they resorted to assaulting the shop attendants before making away with the available cash,” said Argungu Local Government Chairman Aliyu Sani Gulma.
The government insisted that military personnel remain active in Kebbi and other affected states, urging residents to support ongoing security efforts.
Military Intensifies Anti-Terrorism Efforts
Despite concerns over the resurgence of attacks, the military maintains that it has ramped up counterterrorism operations in the region.
A recent briefing by the Defence Headquarters detailed the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which, between February 1 and 12, resulted in:
- The neutralization of 58 terrorists
- The arrest of 11 suspects
- The rescue of 16 kidnapped victims
Troops reportedly conducted operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, making significant recoveries of weapons and cash.
A statement from the Defence Headquarters highlighted key victories:
“On February 4, troops patrolling Malumfashi Local Government Area in Katsina State engaged terrorists in combat, neutralizing five and rescuing five hostages.
“Similarly, in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, six terrorists were neutralized, and four AK-47 rifles, two dane guns, and two motorcycles were recovered.
“Between February 4 and 9, security forces eliminated 18 terrorists, rescued six kidnapped victims, and recovered multiple weapons, including 13 AK-47 rifles and a General Purpose Machine Gun.”
Additionally, a high-profile terrorist leader, Muhada Muhammadu, also known as “Yellow,” was arrested along with four associates. Authorities recovered ₦2.45 million from the suspects.
The Defence Headquarters reassured citizens of its commitment to security, urging them to provide timely intelligence to aid ongoing military efforts.
