Increased security patrols in Zamfara following new bandit threats

A heightened security presence was reported on Sunday in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State after fresh reports of bandit activity and concerns about further attacks on nearby communities.

According to sources, the development led to the emergency evacuation of the family of former lawmaker Tijjani OD from the area to Abuja under a heavy security escort.

The operation reportedly involved a combined security convoy of four Nigerian Army Hilux vehicles, two Nigeria Police Force Hilux vehicles, and one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) vehicle, all deployed to ensure the safe extraction of the family.

This comes just days after suspected bandits entered an off‑campus residence of students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, on the outskirts of the Low‑Cost area of the town, abducting seven students during a late‑night attack.

Similarly, a group called the Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda recently voiced concerns over the worsening security situation in the area, linking it to the activities of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Bello Dansadiya and his gang.

The group also cited the abduction of three residents and a district head from his residence near a military base, alleging that the victims remain in captivity at a bandit camp around Dajin Yamma.

The latest development has further heightened concerns among residents about persistent insecurity in the area, particularly amid fears of possible coordinated attacks by armed groups.

Reacting to the reported evacuation, conflict reporter and crisis journalist Bakatsine, in a post on his X handle, questioned the apparent disparity in security protection available to ordinary residents and politically connected individuals.

“Four vehicles of the Army, two of the Police, and one of the NSCDC all to evacuate one politically connected family from Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State to Abuja in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, the ordinary people on that same street are left behind to face the kidnappers alone,” he wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported evacuation or the renewed security concerns in Kaura Namoda.