Nigeria: Bandits Abduct Over 70, Kill Security Operatives in Zamfara

What the report says

Armed bandits abducted more than 70 residents and killed an army officer and a police officer in an overnight attack on Kasuwar Daji district in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, according to Leadership, as republished by AllAfrica. The assault took place around 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, when attackers stormed the community, fired repeatedly and reportedly went from house to house before fleeing into a nearby forest with captives.

A resident quoted in the report said the gunmen appeared to know whom they were looking for, naming victims and identifying homes during the raid. He also said troops, police and local vigilantes fought the attackers but were outnumbered and outgunned. The account described widespread panic as families ran for safety during the attack.

The Nigerian Army said its troops at the Forward Operating Base in Kasuwar Daji repelled the attack and later pursued the fleeing assailants. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba said reinforcements rescued nine abducted civilians, while two soldiers were wounded and taken for treatment. He confirmed the deaths of one army officer and one police officer and said reports of a higher security death toll were inaccurate.

The incident underscores the continuing insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted rural communities, security posts and roads for abductions and violence. The army said operations are continuing in the area to assess losses and restore calm.