Welcome

Tag: Bandit

  • Gunmen Kidnap Oyo Businessman, 10-Year-Old Girl Hit By Stray Bullet During Attack

    Unknown gunmen on Monday night abducted a businessman, Wasiu Aleshinloye, from his residence in Irawo community, Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State after allegedly trailing him from a market in Ago-Are.

    The incident was confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command through its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who said the kidnappers stormed the victim’s residence and whisked him away at gunpoint.

    Gunshots Trigger Panic In Community

    Residents were thrown into panic after the attackers reportedly fired several gunshots into the air to disperse people in the area during the operation.

    During the attack, a 10-year-old girl identified as Modinat Aleshinloye was hit by a stray bullet and sustained injuries.

    She was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment and extraction of pellets, while the whereabouts of the abducted businessman remain unknown.

    Police Recover Evidence At Scene

    According to DSP Olayinka, the incident was reported at Tede Division around 10:20 p.m. on May 11, 2026.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that one Alhaji Wasiu Aleshinloye was allegedly trailed from Kraal Market, Ago-Are, to his filling station in Irawo and subsequently to his residence, where he was abducted at gunpoint by three armed men to an unknown destination,” he stated.

    The police spokesperson added that detectives recovered three expended ammunition shells from the scene, which are currently undergoing ballistic examination.

    He also disclosed that three face caps suspected to belong to the kidnappers were recovered during investigations.

    No Ransom Demand Yet

    Sources disclosed that the kidnappers had yet to contact the victim’s family or make any ransom demand as of the time of filing this report.

    The police assured residents that tactical and intelligence-led operations had commenced to rescue the businessman and arrest those behind the attack.

    The incident has further heightened concerns over rising insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, despite ongoing security operations across the country.

  • Several Feared Dead as Military Airstrike Hits Niger Community During Bandit Operation

    An unconfirmed number of civilians have reportedly been killed following an aerial bombardment on Guradnayi community near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The military airstrike in Niger State reportedly occurred on Sunday morning during an operation targeting armed bandits believed to have invaded communities in the area.

    Bandits Reportedly Invaded Communities

    Sources said the bandits, said to be over 500 in number, were spotted moving through several communities after allegedly entering from neighbouring Zamfara State and Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.

    Residents of Kuchi, Chibani, Zagzaga and surrounding communities in Munya Local Government Area reportedly fled their homes after noticing the movement of the heavily armed men.

    The exact destination of the bandits was not immediately known at the time of filing this report.

    Civilians Feared Killed During Airstrike

    Community sources confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force reportedly launched an operation targeting the bandits after intelligence gathered their movement around Kusasu community.

    One source said the bandits had spent Saturday night in Kusasu before moving toward Chibani and Zagzaga communities.

    “A swift reaction from the Air Force actually invaded the area and while targeting the bandits in Kusasu on Saturday, some civilians lost their lives but we are yet to ascertain the number of civilians killed,” the source said.

    The source further claimed that several houses were affected during the operation, leading to civilian casualties in the community.

    The reported Niger State airstrike has since sparked concern among residents already dealing with insecurity and repeated bandit attacks.

    Over 500 Bandits Reportedly Spotted

    Another resident alleged that the armed men moved from village to village without abducting anyone but were suspected to be targeting cattle in nearby communities.

    Chairman of Munya Local Government Area, Aminu Najume, also confirmed the invasion, stating that the bandits entered through Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    “The bandits, from what we saw, were over 500 in number and with this development, many people have relocated from their homes for fear of being attacked,” he said.

    He further disclosed that the attackers had already started rustling cows and other livestock in affected communities.

    Security Presence Increased in Affected Areas

    Sources said security operatives have now been deployed to the affected communities following the incident.

    The latest development has also revived conversations around accidental military airstrikes in Shiroro communities, where several civilian deaths have previously been reported during anti-bandit operations.

    In 2022, reports claimed that a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet mistakenly killed six minors in Kurebe village, while another military airstrike months later reportedly left eight civilians dead in the same area.

  • Sultan Dismisses ‘Christian Wipeout’ Claims, Urges Nigerians to Stop Tagging Bandits as Muslims

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, has dismissed claims that Muslims are planning to wipe out Christians in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to stop linking criminal acts to religion.

    He made the remarks on Wednesday at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja.

    “No plan to wipe out Christians”

    Speaking at the gathering, the Sultan said fears of a religious agenda are unfounded and misleading.

    He stressed that Muslims are neither planning nor capable of eliminating Christians from the country.

    “We are not in any position whatsoever to remove Christians from Nigeria. No, it is not possible,” he said.

    Calls for accurate narrative on insecurity

    The Sultan warned against framing insecurity as a religious conflict, insisting that perpetrators of violence should simply be identified as criminals.

    “Let us get the narrative right. It is not about religion. Let us call them what they are, criminals, not Muslim criminals, not Muslim terrorists, not Muslim bandits,” he stated.

    Dialogue remains key — Sultan

    He urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue and mutual understanding as the only sustainable path to peace.

    According to him, mistrust between religious groups is often fueled by misinformation and ignorance.

    “In NIREC, we believe in dialogue. No matter how bad things are, we believe in dialogue,” he added.

    Warning against misuse of religion

    The Sultan also cautioned against individuals using religion to justify violence, noting that such actions contradict Islamic teachings.

    He emphasised that committing violence in the name of faith does not reflect true religious values.

    The comments come amid ongoing debates around insecurity and earlier international claims alleging religious persecution in Nigeria.

     

  • Gunmen Strike Plateau Burial, Many Feared Dead as Mourners Come Under Fire

    Many persons are feared dead and several others injured after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The attack occurred on Wednesday as residents gathered to bury seven victims of an earlier assault on the community.

    Attack unfolds during burial rites

    Sources said the gunmen, who were reportedly hiding on surrounding hills, stormed the area and opened fire on mourners as graves were being dug.

    The sudden attack forced residents to abandon the burial and flee for safety.

    Eyewitness recounts chaos

    A journalist, Masara Kim, who witnessed the incident, said multiple communities were under simultaneous attack at the time.

    “While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting,” he said, adding that he saw at least one person killed.

    He noted that local defenders armed with hunting rifles were overwhelmed by the attackers.

    Communities under pressure

    According to local sources, at least five communities south of Jos were affected, with many residents fleeing as the violence escalated.

    The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the killings and said an attempted attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom LGA was repelled by vigilantes and Operation Rainbow personnel.

    Police confirm earlier killings

    The Plateau State Police Command confirmed a separate attack on Nding Susut on Tuesday night, where five people, including four women and a nine-year-old boy, were killed.

    Three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

    Security response underway

    Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attacks and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, to restore calm in the affected areas.

    He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged the public to provide useful information to aid security operations.

  • Bandits Strike Katsina Communities, Kill Over 20 as Troops Neutralise 45 in Fierce Gun Battle

    At least 24 people have been killed in fresh bandit attacks on communities in Katsina State, with security forces also recording a major breakthrough after neutralising dozens of suspected terrorists.

    The incidents, which hit Musawa and Kankia local government areas, have deepened fears over rising insecurity in the region.

    Market attack leaves traders dead

    The first attack occurred on Monday evening at Jikamshi market in Musawa LGA, where gunmen reportedly stormed the area as traders were closing for the day.

    Witnesses said about 15 armed men on motorcycles opened fire, killing at least seven people and looting goods worth millions of naira.

    Local sources confirmed that the victims were buried according to Islamic rites, describing the incident as devastating.

    “The scale of the attack is enormous. The situation is beyond the state government alone,” a community leader said.

    Families recount painful losses

    Among the victims was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding.

    Family members said he left behind three wives, about 20 children, and several dependents.

    “Our lives are in danger now. He was our breadwinner… we don’t know how we will survive,” one of his wives said.

    Another victim, Rabi’u Ashiru, a phone trader, was killed in his shop just months before his planned wedding.

    His father described the loss as devastating, saying, “We have lost a pillar of the family.”

    Conflicting death toll after village attack

    In a separate incident, residents of Gwalgoro village in Kankia LGA reported that 17 people were killed in an attack over the weekend.

    However, the Katsina State government put the figure at 11, describing the killings as a reprisal after security forces foiled an earlier assault.

    A resident insisted the casualty figure was higher, saying, “Death is not something you exaggerate. We buried 17 people.”

    Security forces engage bandits

    According to officials, the violence began after intelligence reports revealed that a bandit leader identified as Mohammadu was advancing towards key locations in the area.

    Security operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, engaged the attackers, neutralising several of them and recovering motorcycles and rustled cattle.

    Authorities said the bandits later regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on Gwalgoro village.

    Troops record major success in Danmusa

    Amid the attacks, troops reportedly neutralised 45 terrorists during a separate gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.

    The operation is being seen as a significant counter-effort, though residents say more needs to be done to prevent recurring attacks.

    Growing concern over insecurity

    Residents and community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that continued violence could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

    Many women and children have already fled affected areas, seeking safety in nearby towns.

  • Gunmen Attack Ekiti Church, Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers During Crusade

    Gunmen have attacked a church in Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during an open-air crusade in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred Tuesday evening, has thrown the community into panic.

    Residents said the attackers stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) venue on the outskirts of the town and opened fire before taking some worshippers into a nearby forest.

    Pastor Killed as Worshippers Taken Into Forest

    Sources within the community said the assailants arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed. During the attack, the pastor was shot dead while several others were forcefully taken away.

    A resident, who spoke anonymously, said efforts were ongoing to determine the number of abducted victims. “They were many. They killed the pastor and took some worshippers. We are still trying to know how many are missing,” the source said.

    Security Operatives Launch Rescue Efforts

    A government official familiar with the development confirmed the incident, noting that security agencies had been deployed to the area. He said operatives were already on the trail of the attackers and expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued.

    “Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped… security agencies are involved and on the trail of the attackers,” the source said.

    Police Confirm Attack, Begin Manhunt

    The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the attack on Wednesday and announced the commencement of a coordinated rescue operation. The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a full investigation.

    According to him, the police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, vigilantes and local hunters, have begun aggressive bush combing operations to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

    Authorities Urge Calm, Heighten Security Advisory

    The police urged residents to remain calm while assuring that all necessary steps were being taken to address the situation. Abutu also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

    He advised religious leaders to notify the police before organising late-night programmes to enable proper security arrangements.

    Recurring Pattern Raises Fresh Concerns

    The attack adds to a growing pattern of assaults on religious gatherings in parts of the country. A similar incident occurred in November 2025 in Kwara State, where gunmen attacked a church, killed worshippers and abducted dozens.

    The latest development is expected to heighten concerns around security in rural communities, particularly during large gatherings, as authorities intensify efforts to rescue the victims and restore calm.

  • Bandits Attack Kogi Community, Abduct Pastors, Families in Night Raid

    Suspected bandits have attacked Odo-Eri community in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State, abducting several residents including clergymen and their families in a late-night raid that has triggered fresh security concerns.

    Night attack sparks panic

    Local sources said the attackers stormed the community around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, firing gunshots to scare residents before carrying out the abductions.

    The victims reportedly include pastors, their wives, children, aides, and other residents, though the exact number remains unclear.

    “We cannot confirm the exact number or identities of those abducted at this time. Many residents fled for safety during the chaos,” a source said.

    Clergymen among victims

    Information circulating within the community indicates that a pastor from the Christ Apostolic Church and another from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, alongside their families, were among those taken.

    Residents said the gunfire threw the area into panic, forcing many to flee their homes by Thursday morning.

    Sources added that the attackers escaped through Abewo Road, linking Okunran and Okoloke communities toward the Kwara State axis.

    Senator reacts, urges action

    Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, condemned the attack and warned against a return to worsening insecurity in the area.

    “Unknown gunmen reportedly invaded Odo-Eri community and abducted a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God alongside his wife, children, and several other residents,” he said.

    He described the incident as a desperate act by criminal elements under pressure and expressed confidence that those responsible would be apprehended.

    Karimi also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and called on residents to remain vigilant and share credible information.

    Police yet to respond

    Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not answered at the time of filing this report.

    The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity, with communities continuing to face attacks from armed groups, a development dominating latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • Abducted UNIJOS Graduate John Arum Azi Regains Freedom After 10 Days in Captivity

    John Arum Azi, a former student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), has regained his freedom after spending 10 days in captivity after he was abducted while travelling to Kaduna State.

    Abduction on road to Zaria

    Arum, a graduate of Early Childhood Education, was kidnapped by armed men while travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Zaria in Kaduna State.

    His abduction had earlier sparked public outrage after a video surfaced showing him being assaulted by his captors, who demanded a ransom for his release.

    The kidnappers initially demanded ₦30 million, threatening to kill him if the money was not paid.

    Ransom negotiations and increased demands

    Following negotiations with his family, the ransom was reportedly reduced to ₦6 million.

    However, after payment was made with support from well-meaning Nigerians, the abductors allegedly demanded an additional ₦4 million before agreeing to release him.

    The repeated demands further heightened tension around the case and drew widespread condemnation online.

    Freedom after 10 days

    The victim was eventually released on Wednesday after spending about 10 days in captivity.

    A video shared on social media by his family confirmed his release and reunion with loved ones.

    He has since been reunited with his family, bringing relief to relatives and supporters who had followed the case closely.

    Rising insecurity concerns

    The incident adds to growing concerns over kidnappings along major travel routes in parts of northern and central Nigeria, where ransom-related abductions continue to be reported.

  • DSS Raises Alarm Over Plot to Kidnap Farmers in Kwara Communities

    The Department of State Services has warned of a fresh security threat in Kwara State, alerting authorities to an alleged plan by armed bandits to intensify the kidnapping of farmers in parts of the state.

    The alert, reportedly sent to the Commissioner of Police in Ilorin, identified farming settlements around Lema, Ndeji and Gbugbu communities in Edu Local Government Area as potential targets.

    Emerging threat in farm settlements

    According to the DSS, intelligence suggests that bandit groups linked to identified leaders are planning coordinated attacks aimed at disrupting farming activities.

    The agency noted that the move is likely a response to ongoing military operations that have weakened criminal networks in the area.

    “Intelligence indicate plans… to intensify kidnapping of farmers… This development would cause the farmers to abdicate activities,” the alert stated.

    Security advice issued

    The DSS urged security agencies to extend operations to vulnerable communities to prevent attacks and protect residents.

    It stressed the need for proactive deployment to forestall what it described as a looming threat to public safety.

    Rising insecurity in Kwara

    The warning comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara, especially in the northern axis.

    Communities in Kaiama and Baruten have witnessed repeated attacks, killings and displacement of residents in recent months.

    Observers say the targeting of farmers could further worsen food production challenges if not quickly contained.

  • Reps Dump LP, APC, PDP for ADC as Defections Rock National Assembly

    At least three members of the House of Representatives have defected to the African Democratic Congress, in a fresh wave of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The lawmakers, Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Usman Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa, Kaduna), and Sani Noma (Argungu/Augie, Kebbi)  announced their defection during plenary on Tuesday, cutting across the Labour Party, All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party.

    Fresh wave of defections

    Their move signals a growing shift toward the ADC, as politicians continue to reposition across party lines.

    At the same time, Abubakar Buba (Chanchaga, Niger) and Ibrahim Mohammed (Bunza/Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo, Kebbi) defected from the PDP to the APC, boosting the ruling party’s numbers.

    In Osun, Mudashiru Alani (Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa) and Adetunji Olusoji (Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe) also dumped the PDP for the Accord Party.

    Meanwhile, David Fuoh (Sarduana/Kurmi/Gashaka, Taraba) moved in the opposite direction, leaving the APC for the PDP.

    Why lawmakers are switching

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who read the defection notices on the floor, said the lawmakers cited internal crises in their former parties as the main reason for their decisions.

    The justification reflects a familiar trend in Nigeria’s political space, where party instability often drives defections.

    2027 politics taking shape

    The latest movements highlight increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Observers say the shifting alliances raise concerns about party discipline and ideological consistency, as lawmakers continue to switch platforms in search of political advantage.