Bandits have reportedly abducted 45 elderly residents of Magami Diddi community in Faru Ward of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria during what was presented as a reconciliation meeting.
Chairman of Maradun Local Government, Bello Dosara, confirmed the incident to AIT.live, saying the victims were lured into the meeting by the bandits under the guise of a peace and reconciliation initiative before being abducted.
The council chairman further revealed that a notorious bandit kingpin, identified as Jammo, who operates within the Muntsira Forest axis of Maradun, has frequently disrupted economic activities by blocking access to the community market on a weekly basis.
Dosara stated that the local government had previously responded by providing security support to residents to ensure continued access to the market and protect livelihoods.
He emphasised that Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal remains firmly opposed to any form of negotiation or reconciliation with bandits, noting that the local government was surprised to learn that some community members had independently engaged in talks with the armed groups.
He disclosed that six of the victims have since been released, while 39 others remain in captivity.
The chairman assured residents that security agencies have been fully briefed on the incident and that efforts are underway to secure the safe release of those still being held captive.
Meanwhile, the police have neutralised three suspected bandits and intensified offensive operations in the Jangebe Forest axis using newly deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs and CSK operational vehicles provided by Governor Lawal.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar.
According to the statement, on June 7, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., a joint security team comprising operatives of the Police Violence Crime Response Unit, VCRU and Civilian Security Volunteers carried out a coordinated anti-banditry operation in Taza, Wuya, and Gwaram villages within the Jangebe Forest axis of Anka Local Government Area.
The police said that upon reaching the targeted locations, the operatives came under attack from heavily armed bandits wielding sophisticated weapons. A fierce gun battle followed, during which the security team overpowered the criminals.
At the end of the operation, three suspected bandits were neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds. One suspect was arrested during the operation.
The Command further disclosed that exhibits recovered from the scene included three AK-47 rifles, 23 rounds of live ammunition, three magazines, and 10 motorcycles.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements across the state to enhance security and protect lives and property.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
