In a major operation on January 4, a joint security team neutralized 80 bandits in Katsina State, with several others reported injured.
The operation, which targeted five notorious bandit camps in the Kadoji, Matso-Matso, Bagga, Dogon Market, and Takatsaba areas of Jibia Local Government, dealt a significant blow to the escalating banditry in the region.
The security forces included the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, Police, DSS, and local vigilantes.
The Katsina State government commended the successful offensive in a statement issued by Dr. Nasir Muazu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.
The operation dismantled the criminal network responsible for the surge in banditry in Jibia, Batsari, and Batagarawa Local Government Areas.
This significant action has weakened the bandits’ operational capacity, eliminating key hideouts and infrastructure.
In contrast, Zamfara State continues to suffer from brutal extortion as gunmen, led by the Danisuhu faction, have imposed a hefty N182.7 million levy on 25 local communities.
Local intelligence reveals that failure to comply with these demands results in violent reprisals. Residents in the Tsafe West council area are speaking out, describing the situation as dire and a constant threat to their safety and livelihoods.
Farmers, in particular, have been exploited, with many forced to flee their homes to escape the tax imposition.
Isa Usman, a farmer from Tsafe, explained that some communities face payments as high as N20 million, with several others forced to pay millions of naira and large amounts of grain.
Villagers in these areas are calling for immediate government intervention to prevent further violence and hardship.
With the improved security in the Funtua-Tsafe axis, residents are pleading for the establishment of a military post in Tsafe West and the deployment of additional security forces to restore peace in these vulnerable communities.
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