SUNTV Global Channel Report | January 4, 2026
Armed bandits have launched a new wave of coordinated attacks across Zamfara and Niger states, leaving dozens dead, travellers abducted, vehicles destroyed, and communities gripped by fear—once again exposing the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria.
According to Katsina-based security analyst, Malam Bakatsine, the first attack occurred on Friday evening along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, a route notorious for criminal ambushes.
The gunmen reportedly intercepted travellers, set two vehicles on fire, and abducted all passengers onboard. Other motorists were forced to abandon their journeys and flee into nearby bushes to escape the violence. The incident has further highlighted the extreme vulnerability of commuters on major roads in Zamfara, where sustained security presence remains lacking.
In another attack on Saturday night, bandits stormed Hayin Kastinawa community in Gora Ward, Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, also in Zamfara State. Witnesses said the assailants operated freely for hours, raping married women and abducting at least 15 teenage girls, plunging the community into trauma and despair.
Residents are now appealing urgently to the government and security agencies for immediate intervention, as fear of renewed attacks continues to grow.
Meanwhile, in Niger State, bandits reportedly carried out one of the deadliest assaults in recent times, attacking Kasuwar Daji community in Borgu Local Government Area on Saturday night. More than 35 people were said to have been killed during the raid.
Sources revealed that the attackers used a combination of firearms and bladed weapons, killing residents indiscriminately and leaving the community devastated.
In a related development, disturbing footage circulating online shows several men from Kano State held captive by armed bandits. One of the victims identified himself as a police officer attached to the Police Academy, Wudil, while two others said they are residents of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly abducted while travelling from Rijiya Zaki Motor Park in Kano State to Kebbi State, underscoring the growing danger faced by travellers across inter-state routes.
As attacks intensify across multiple states, Nigerians are once again questioning the government’s ability to protect lives and property, while affected communities continue to wait for decisive action against the criminal networks terrorising the region.
