Sokoto bandit attack leaves six dead as troops intensify operations, rescue 62 hostages, and recover arms across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara

Six residents of Baidi village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State were killed on Wednesday night during a fresh Sokoto bandit attack, as armed assailants believed to be members of the Lakurawa network stormed the community.

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Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived around nightfall, firing indiscriminately and forcing villagers to flee for safety, leaving several casualties behind.

Residents said Baidi and neighbouring communities, including Sanyinna, have suffered repeated assaults over the years, with a local source linking the latest violence to the villagers’ alleged refusal to comply with directives issued by the bandits.

“This is not the first time they have attacked our village, killed people and fled,” a resident said, recalling that the village head of Sanyinna was previously killed in a similar attack.

Communities in Tangaza, Binji, Gudu and Illela local government areas, as well as border settlements in Kebbi State, have endured sustained attacks attributed to cross-border Lakurawa fighters.

Funeral prayers were held for the victims on Thursday, after which the bodies were buried, as residents renewed calls for urgent deployment of security personnel to stem the violence.

Meanwhile, in Kogi State, two members of the same family were abducted on Wednesday in Ihale-Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

The victims were identified as 100-year-old Chief Samuel Fagbemi and his son, 50-year-old Chief Zacheus Sunday Fagbemi, a member of the local vigilante service.

Witnesses said the abductors arrived around 4:00 p.m. on more than 20 motorcycles, heavily armed and in large numbers, overwhelming residents before whisking the victims to an unknown destination.

Police authorities had yet to confirm the abduction as of filing, while efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza, were unsuccessful.

Residents lamented the absence of security presence and demanded immediate action to secure the victims’ release.

The incident occurred barely two days after the Kogi State Government unveiled two 2hp 20 security surveillance drones as part of efforts to strengthen security monitoring.

Amid the renewed violence, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Joint Task Force North West, recorded significant operational gains against terrorist groups between Wednesday and Thursday.

Military sources said troops of the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force, working with the Department of State Services, engaged terrorists during a patrol in Gundumi village, Isa Local Government Area, neutralising one fighter while others fled with injuries. Six AK-47 rifles and three motorcycles were recovered.

In a follow-up operation, troops from 1 Brigade, supported by the Joint Task Force Mobile Strike Team, destroyed a makeshift medical facility in Bingi Forest allegedly used to treat injured terrorists.

A statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, said the coordinated offensives were aimed at decisively degrading terrorist networks and restoring security across the North West.

Troops also rescued 62 hostages and neutralised two suspected terrorists in separate operations across Kebbi and Zamfara states.

In Kebbi, Sector 2 forces ambushed Lakurawa fighters near Kerani village along the Augie-Binji border corridor, killing two and seizing motorcycles used for long-range movement.

In Zamfara, troops stormed Munhaye Forest, a hideout linked to bandit leader Kachalla Alti, freeing 62 captives who have since been placed in safe custody pending reunification with their families.

The Sokoto State Police Command also announced breakthroughs against criminal networks, with Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa confirming arrests linked to kidnapping, extortion, and financial fraud in three local government areas.

He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested two key suspects in Wamakko Local Government Area, recovering counterfeit currencies, weapons, charms, and other items believed to be used for intimidation and fraud.

Also read: Troops repel deadly terrorist attacks in Adamawa, Borno

Sokoto and much of the North West continue to battle banditry, extortion and kidnap-for-ransom, particularly in rural areas, with security agencies intensifying intelligence-led operations since late 2025.