Bandits Launch Deadly Attack On Zamfara Community, Killing Army Lieutenant And 15 Villagers.
Zamfara, Nigeria – A devastating attack by suspected bandits on a community in Zamfara State has left a Nigerian Army lieutenant, several soldiers, and at least 15 villagers feared dead, according to reports from Sahara Reporters. The assault, which occurred on 23 June 2025, has intensified concerns over the escalating banditry crisis in Nigeria’s northwest region.
The bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community in a violent raid, targeting both civilians and security forces. The Nigerian Army lieutenant, whose identity has not been disclosed, was among the casualties, alongside an unspecified number of soldiers. Local sources indicate that the attackers overwhelmed the military personnel deployed to protect the area, highlighting the growing audacity of bandit groups in Zamfara.
Residents reported scenes of chaos as the bandits opened fire, looted properties, and abducted several individuals. The assault, which lasted several hours, left homes destroyed and families displaced. “It was terrifying. They came in large numbers, shooting everywhere. We lost so many people,” a villager told Sahara Reporters. The exact number of abductees remains unconfirmed, but such kidnappings for ransom have become a hallmark of bandit operations in the region.
Zamfara State has long been a hotspot for banditry, with armed gangs raiding villages, rustling cattle, and kidnapping residents for hefty ransoms. Despite efforts by the Nigerian military to curb the violence, including airstrikes and ground operations, the security situation remains dire. A 2019 peace agreement with some bandit groups, which included providing vehicles and cash to “repentant” leaders, has failed to stem the tide of attacks, with communities like those in Anka, Bukkuyum, and Tsafe frequently targeted.
The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but the loss of a senior officer underscores the challenges faced by security forces in confronting well-armed bandit groups. Posts on X reflect public outrage and frustration, with many Nigerians calling for stronger government action to address the crisis. “How long will Zamfara bleed? The government must act decisively,” one user wrote.
This latest attack follows a pattern of violence in Zamfara, where over 200 bodies were recovered after similar raids in Anka and Bukkuyum earlier this year. The region’s porous borders and the proliferation of illegal arms have fuelled the banditry epidemic, with groups controlling vast swathes of rural areas and even levying taxes on communities.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives, pressure is mounting on authorities to bolster security measures and protect vulnerable communities. The Zamfara State government has been urged to collaborate with federal forces to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.