Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Northwest Nigeria, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states, remains gripped by a relentless crisis of banditry and kidnapping. These criminal gangs conduct near-daily attacks on communities, creating pervasive insecurity. While security forces report periodic successes through raids and operations, the menace persists, with threats occurring on a daily basis.
It was reported that on Sunday, security forces in Zamfara rescued family members of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Mohammed Abubakar Nakwada, who were abducted on July 27.
Tensions escalated on Thursday night after security operatives were allegedly seen pursuing demonstrators through the streets of Gusau, following a protest over the worsening security situation in the region.
Protesters—mainly elderly women and nursing mothers from Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State—had staged a peaceful demonstration in the state capital, Gusau, to express their grievances over the insecurity plaguing their communities.
The situation drew mixed reactions. Mohammed Alhassan, a resident of Zamfara, condemned the pursuit of protesters, describing it as inhuman. “The government should be concerned for the people, not chasing them. Today, a top government official’s family was also affected. We are no longer at peace; the northwest region is in trouble day in and day out. We pray for the restoration of peace in our states,” he said.
Alhaji Ghali Umar criticised the Zamfara State Government for its approach. “They pursued protesters, and now a top government official is included among victims. Security concerns affect everyone. Authorities should be proactive in tackling the menace of insecurity in the region,” he stated.
Ibrahim Baba observed that insurgency has become “a business” and argued that the government has the resources to address it. “The government has both the security apparatus and the financial means to purchase all sorts of gadgets to trace bandits and kidnappers. We urge them to do the needful—our people are at risk of losing their lives,” he said.
Fatima Abdul pointed out that the kidnapping of a government official’s family shows that no one is safe. “Kidnappers have shown they are active, and since government officials are not excluded, the security situation has become no man’s land,” she warned.
Ozdal Guclu commended the security forces for making progress. “Good to see security forces making progress in Zamfara. Hope this momentum keeps up for the safety of families. One solid point is that local intelligence helps these operations. More wins like this, please,” he said.
This incident highlights the growing public desperation in Northwest Nigeria, where communities face daily threats from criminal gangs. Residents vow to continue demanding action despite the risks, as the security situation shows no signs of improvement. Many communities are now forced to pay illegal levies to bandits in a desperate attempt to secure temporary peace for essential activities like farming and running businesses.