Nigeria continues to face one of its toughest security challenges in decades. In this week’s Security Update with Rimamnde Shawulu, we examine the latest incidents of banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and government responses across Northern Nigeria.
From Kaduna to Zamfara, Plateau to Niger, the stories reflect both the resilience of communities and the growing concerns over the capacity of the state to respond effectively. Key Highlights of This Update:
• Kaduna State Kidnapping Rescue: Three kidnapped children were rescued by the Kaduna Police Command after being abducted on August 25. Security forces arrested three suspects who had demanded ₦50 million ransom.
• Zamfara Mass Abduction: Armed bandits on bicycles stormed Gamdum Malam and Uruan Rana villages, killing at least two and abducting about 100 people, mostly women and children. Residents described the attack as well-coordinated, with bandits splitting into groups to round up villagers.
• 128 Victims Rescued in Zamfara: National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced the rescue of over 128 victims from kidnappers in Kaura Namoda.
This was described as a “victory for the Nigerian people” and a major blow to criminal networks.
• Governor Dauda Lawal’s Emotional Outburst: The Zamfara State governor openly wept, saying he could end banditry in two months if given direct control over security forces. He accused security agencies of being tied down by orders from Abuja.
• Niger State Violence: Nigerian troops repelled a major bandit attack on a military base, killing several attackers. However, the state was also rocked by the lynching of a woman over alleged blasphemy, echoing the unresolved case of Deborah Samuel two years ago.
• Plateau State – New Operation “Enduring Peace”: The Nigerian military rebranded Operation Safe Haven to Operation Enduring Peace. CDS General Christopher Musa emphasized a whole-of-society approach involving military, political, judicial, and community collaboration for lasting peace.
• Mass Displacement in Plateau: Over 300 people displaced and 30 houses burned down in Doma district following attacks on 10 communities. Local leaders urged collective action, while security forces were deployed to restore order.
Civil Society & Stefanos Foundation Report: The Stefanos Foundation, based in Jos, Plateau State, provided disturbing updates from Benue, Kaduna, Bauchi, Niger, Kwara, Borno, Kano, and Zamfara. Their findings reveal:
• Communities under relentless stress from non-state actors. • Increasingly under-reported attacks in rural areas, as violence becomes normalized.
• The dangerous trend of communities negotiating directly with bandits, similar to parts of Katsina and Zamfara, potentially leading to parallel authorities controlled by outlaws. Questions for Reflection:
• Can Nigerian security agencies truly defeat banditry and terrorism, or is the situation spiraling out of control?
• Will community peace deals with bandits become the new normal in Nigeria’s rural areas? • What does the rebranding of military operations mean for long-term peace?
• Are political rivalries worsening insecurity in states like Zamfara?
We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments: Is Nigeria winning or losing the war against insecurity?
Why This Matters:
This week’s update shows the scale of Nigeria’s insecurity: kidnappings, abductions, displacement, and government responses that remain controversial.
With governors lamenting their lack of control, NGOs warning of worsening rural insecurity, and communities forced to strike deals with outlaws, the stakes could not be higher. Nigeria’s future stability depends on how it addresses these security, governance, and justice gaps.
Stay tuned for more updates every week on this channel.
#Kidnapping #Zamfara #Kaduna #Plateau #NigerState #OperationEnduringPeace #NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdate #StefanosFoundation
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