Fear in Zamfara as Bandits Kidnap Traditional Ruler Following Airstrike

Tension has gripped communities in Zamfara State after armed bandits kidnapped a respected traditional ruler, Alhaji Babangida Kogo, the District Head of Yankuzo. The incident happened just hours after a deadly Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike targeted and killed dozens of bandits in the area.

According to eyewitness reports, the monarch was abductedon  Tuesday evening near the Mararraba area in Tsafe Local Government Area. He was reportedly trying to leave the community, fearing that surviving bandits from the earlier air raid might launch retaliatory attacks.

Tragically, his fears came true. Eyewitnesses told local sources that a group of armed bandits, riding on more than 10 motorcycles, ambushed the monarch and his escort around an abandoned farmland once owned by the late Alhaji Malami Yandoto. The gunmen took only the royal father and left the rest behind.

This kidnapping followed a major NAF airstrike under Operation Hadarin Daji, which hit a gathering of heavily armed bandits between Yankuzo and Munhaye. Intelligence had revealed that the fighters were meeting, possibly for a celebration or wedding, when the strike occurred. The operation left many of the bandits dead and others seriously injured.

The fighters reportedly belonged to groups loyal to notorious bandit leaders who operate along the Tsafe-Zurmi corridor, with some even traveling from Katsina and Sokoto forest areas to attend the gathering.

“The impact of the strike was huge. There were burnt motorcycles and charred bodies all over the area,” a security source confirmed.

The successful military action sparked fear across neighboring communities, with many residents fleeing in anticipation of revenge attacks. Unfortunately, their fears proved valid as the monarch was captured while trying to escape to safety.

“We all knew they would come back for revenge,” said a local resident from Yankuzo. “That’s why our district head was trying to leave. Sadly, he was captured on his way out.”

Local vigilante groups have now launched search efforts, and military troops have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further violence.

This incident reflects the increasingly desperate and dangerous tactics of armed bandit groups in Zamfara and across Nigeria’s North West, even as military operations continue to squeeze their strongholds.