Bandits maintain grip on 24 communities in Katsina, Zamfara, despite military crackdown
Despite the ongoing military offensive in Katsina and Zamfara States against criminal elements, bandits continue to maintain a firm grip on several communities across 24 local government areas in the two states.
The activities of the bandits are particularly severe in Zamfara, where unofficial sources indicate that more than 100 communities across 14 local government areas remain under their control. In Katsina State, while no entire council is under the control of the bandits, they still hold sway in several communities within 10 councils.
A source from the Faskari council in Katsina State reported that around 32 communities have been abandoned due to relentless attacks by the bandits. Among the affected communities are Ungwan Dorowa, Ungwan Bika, Gidan Wakili, Kogon Kura, Gidan Saidu, Migyadali, and Shuwaki.
President Bola Tinubu recently directed the minister of defence, the chief of defence staff (CDS), and other security chiefs to relocate to Sokoto in an effort to flush out bandits from Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and other states in the region. Since then, military and police operations have resulted in the deaths of several top bandit leaders and the arrests of numerous others. However, investigations in Katsina and Zamfara reveal that many communities continue to suffer under the threat of banditry.
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In Zamfara, it is reported that the majority of the communities across 14 local government areas remain under the control of bandits despite military offensives that have included the killing of wanted kingpins like Halilu Sububu. Although these operations have reduced the frequency of attacks in some areas, the bandits have responded by employing guerrilla tactics and continuing their hold on numerous villages.
Residents have expressed their dismay over the exploitation and persistent attacks affecting over 100 communities. Some villagers have fled to urban areas for safety, while others, choosing to remain, are forced to live under the bandits’ control.
In the Maru local government area, villages under bandit control include Madada, Bingi, Dandalla, Babbar Doka, Kabaro, Sangeku, Danmani, Kunjemi, Karauci, Gajeran Kauye, Saulawa, Randa, Kango, Balge, Gobirawan Cali, Gidan Ardo, Bulakke, and Kilin.
Anka council is facing similar challenges, with bandits reportedly controlling villages such as Rafin Sanya, Barayar Zaki, Rafin Gero, Karfa, Bawar Daji, Sunka, Tungar Kudaku, Matseri, Dankalgo, Matsafa, Nassarawa, and Kawaye.
In the Maradun local government area, affected communities include Aljimma, Gwargawo, Kuzi, Ruwan Bado, Magamin Diddi, Gareka, Saurar Kade, Damage, Asarara, Burmi Gidan Adamu, Gidan Maidawa, Gidan Baushi, and Wari.
Other local government areas suffering from bandit control include:
Zurmi LGA: Gidan Kabbo, Tsakauna, Dogon-hako, Gidan Duwan, Jididi, Asako, Gidan-Oho, Dunnu, Gwamawa, Gidan Labbobuzu, Marmaro, Takalmawa, Tukurawa, Sangamawa, Tataka, Gidan-Galadima, Gidan-Zago, Kadamutsa, Holuwa, Makosa, Judidi, Geza, Rinni, and Dadan.
Tsafe LGA: Munhaye, Dustin Kura, Kekawa, Yarzaiga, Sabon Birnin Nakak, Unguwar Gyauro, Matso-Matso, Magazawa, Kawasaki, Bare-Bari, Turba-Kuceheri, Marne, Maidagalo, Yar-tsakuwa, Garkuwan, Kofar Fasa, Sansami, and Dankutau.
Talata Mafara LGA: Ruwan Jema, Ruwan Gora, Dankalgo, and Ruwan Gizi.
Gusau LGA: Madaro, Kungurmi, Dandindin, Burwaye, Burnai, Fankarfe, Dadin Zama, Bakin Dutse, Tungar Kudi, Ruwan Mesa, Koli, Buzaye, Lilo, Tungar Rakumi, Rijiya, and Kwarya Tsugune.
Birnin Magaji LGA: Madomawa, Nasarawa Mailayi, Dan’Ali, Birnin Tsaba, among others.
The Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, Sadiq Abubakar, reported significant progress in the fight against banditry, particularly following President Tinubu’s directive for a more aggressive approach in the North West zone.
He stated that the police command has neutralised several bandits, rescued many hostages, and seized various weapons and ammunition. Abubakar also confirmed that numerous suspects have been arrested as part of the efforts to restore security in the affected areas.
Cc: Leadership newspaper
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