39 abducted in Zamfara during community meeting with bandit leader’s family 

At least 39 residents were abducted in Zamfara State during a community meeting reportedly held with the parents of a suspected bandit leader, in a fresh incident underscoring the worsening insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.

Security sources said the victims were seized while community members gathered for a dialogue session aimed at addressing tensions linked to ongoing banditry in the area. Armed men were said to have stormed the location and whisked away attendees into nearby forest routes.

The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident, with efforts underway to locate and rescue the abducted residents.

Authorities have also intensified patrols in surrounding communities, as part of broader operations targeting armed criminal groups operating across rural parts of the state.

Zamfara has remained one of the epicentres of bandit-related violence in Nigeria, with frequent mass kidnappings, raids on rural settlements, and attacks on highways.

Security analysts say such incidents often occur in areas with limited security presence, where armed groups exploit weak surveillance and difficult terrain to carry out coordinated attacks.

Residents in affected communities have continued to call for stronger protection measures, including increased deployment of security personnel and improved intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.

Authorities say rescue efforts are ongoing, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.