Zamfara: Gunmen kill 12, abduct scores in reprisal attack

At least 12 people have been confirmed dead and an unknown number abducted following a coordinated reprisal attack by gunmen on multiple villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The tragic incident comes just days after the Nigerian Army announced a successful operation in Zamfara, where troops of the 1 Brigade reportedly neutralised five notorious bandit kingpins and recovered weapons in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda LGAs. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in the conflict-ridden region.

The encounter resulted in the death of several insurgents, including five high-profile bandit kingpins identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the retaliatory attack occurred on May 5, at about 1:30pm.

The publication said the attack was a response to a recent operation by troops which targeted a bandit camp in the Dankurmi forest.

According to the report, the bandits invaded seven communities in Dankurmi district Zamfarawa, Kurukuru, Dogon Daji, Dan Hayin Zamfarawa, Tungar Zabo, Burmukai, and Dambawa — killing 12 residents and abducting others to an unknown location.

Upon receiving the distress report, troops were alerted and have been responding decisively, as efforts to rescue the abducted victims intensify.