Tension Rises Again as Armed Bandits Abduct Zamfara Monarch After NAF Airstrike

Tension has gripped Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Alhaji Babangida Kogo, the district head of Yankuzo, by armed bandits.

The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, just hours after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a deadly airstrike targeting a major bandit gathering in a nearby forest enclave. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Monarch Intercepted While Fleeing Possible Reprisal

Sources confirmed that the monarch was intercepted along the Mararraba axis while attempting to flee his community amid fears of reprisal attacks by surviving terrorists. The armed group, riding on over 10 motorcycles, reportedly ambushed Alhaji Kogo and his entourage near the abandoned farm of the late Alhaji Malami Yandoto.

While others were spared, the monarch was forcibly taken by the attackers, believed to be fighters loyal to notorious bandit kingpins active in the Tsafe–Zurmi axis.

Airstrike Preceded Abduction

Earlier that day, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji launched a precision air raid based on credible intelligence and aerial surveillance, which tracked over 100 armed bandits converging for what was believed to be a wedding or celebratory gathering in a forest between Yankuzo and Munhaye.

“The impact was massive, charred bodies and destroyed motorcycles littered the area after the strike,” said a military source.

Scores of bandits were reportedly killed, while several others fled with serious injuries. The gathering included fighters from Katsina and Sokoto, crossing into Zamfara territory under the command of feared warlords.

Fear and Displacement in Surrounding Villages

Following the airstrike, fear swept through local communities, with many residents fleeing their homes in anticipation of retaliatory attacks. According to a Yankuzo resident:

“We knew they would strike back. That’s why our district head was leaving. Unfortunately, he ran into them before reaching safety.”

Search Operations Underway

Local vigilante groups and military ground forces have since launched a manhunt for the abducted monarch, combing forest trails and known hideouts in the region. Reinforcements have also been deployed to prevent further attacks and calm the rising tension.

This abduction underscores the desperation of bandit groups in Zamfara and the wider North West region, as they come under increasing military pressure through ongoing operations