Vigilantes raid Bandits hideouts, kill 30 in Zamfara

At least 30 armed bandits were killed in an ambush by local vigilantes in the Dansadau district of Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, and was confirmed by intelligence sources quoted by counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama.

According to reports, the bandits were on their way to attack a nearby village when they were intercepted by members of the Yansakai vigilante group who had strategically positioned themselves on the outskirts of the town.

“A fierce gun battle ensued, leading to the death of the suspected attackers,” Makama reported.

After the confrontation, the vigilantes recovered 16 motorcycles believed to have been used by the bandits.

In a related development, security operatives discovered the body of Ashiru Dawa, a member of the Community Protection Guard (CPG), who had earlier been abducted by suspected bandits. His remains were found around 6:00 a.m. in the Gidan Kano area on the same day.

According to reports, his body was taken to a nearby hospital for autopsy and later released to his family for burial according to Islamic customs.

Security experts say the incidents further highlight the worsening insecurity in Zamfara, where local vigilante groups have increasingly taken up arms to defend themselves against continued attacks by armed groups.

Authorities and community-led efforts remain active in seeking ways to restore peace in the state as the threat of banditry persists.