Nigeria: Soldiers, Security Guards, Civilians Killed in Multiple Bandit Attacks in Zamfara

A series of attacks in Zamfara State has left many dead, including Nigerian military personnel, local guards, and residents.

Sources confirmed to SaharaReporters that an undisclosed number of soldiers were killed on Sunday while attempting to repel a bandit ambush along a highway in Zamfara. 

Among the casualties was a young officer, Lieutenant Isma’il Yahya. The ambush is believed to be part of a broader wave of violence in the state.

In a related attack on Sunday night, terrorists stormed Tofa village in the Magami district of Gusau Local Government Area, killing more than 15 residents. Several others were injured, and some remain missing. The village, located near the state capital, Gusau, has faced repeated assaults from armed groups, prompting mass displacement as residents flee in fear and desperation.

The violence did not stop there. In Shinkafi Local Government Area, a violent confrontation occurred on Monday between armed gangs loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji and members of the Zamfara Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), backed by fighters from Borno State’s Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF). The clash occurred near Cida village and resulted in the deaths of over 100 people.

According to Sa’idu Garba, a resident, the CPG launched a surprise attack on Turji’s camp, reportedly led by a former bandit turned ally, Bashari Meniyo.

However, Turji was tipped off and swiftly mobilised over 1,000 armed men to repel the offensive.

There was a heavy fight between the two groups, which lasted for several hours without the intervention of the security agents, Garba said. Although Bello Turji narrowly escaped, over 100 of his fighters were killed.

Garba also confirmed the deaths of more than 20 members of the CPG, including their leader, Bashari Meniyo.

Mohammed Sani, another resident, described the clash.

I heard several gunshots when the two groups were exchanging fire. Most of the people in my village fled their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire, he told Punch. 

Zamfara has become one of the epicenters of banditry in northern Nigeria, with armed groups operating from forested hideouts that stretch across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states.

These groups are responsible for countless raids, killings, and mass kidnappings, particularly targeting schoolchildren and vulnerable rural communities.

In 2019, former Governor Bello Matawalle, now Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, signed a controversial peace deal with the bandits. Despite the agreement, violence has persisted and, according to many, intensified.

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