Security
Over 10,000 Bandits Invade Bauchi Communities, Displace 100,000 Residents – Governor Bala Mohammed
Governor Bala Mohammed has raised the alarm that more than 10,000 heavily armed bandits have invaded several communities in Bauchi State, displacing over 100,000 residents.
The governor disclosed this on Thursday during a visit to internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Futuk, Mansur, Gwana and other affected communities currently taking refuge at Kashere Central Primary School in Gombe State.
Mohammed said communities including Mansur, Digare, Yelwan Fatuk and Gwana in Alkaleri Local Government Area were overwhelmed by the large number of bandits, noting that local vigilantes and security operatives were being stretched beyond capacity.
He expressed concern over what he described as “ungoverned spaces” around Dajin Madam forest, alleging that bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West had regrouped in the area and were recruiting both outsiders and some locals, including individuals previously involved in illegal mining.
The governor appealed for urgent federal intervention, warning that residents had been forced out of their homes by the heavily armed criminal groups.
Mohammed also revealed plans to recruit 2,000 youths into vigilante formations to be trained as forest guards. He announced a donation of ₦50 million and several truckloads of food items to support the displaced persons.
He said he would meet with President Bola Tinubu on Friday to discuss the security situation.
Earlier, the Sani-Omolori Aliyu, Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, assured that additional security personnel had been deployed to affected areas.
He vowed that security agencies would not allow any part of Nigeria, including Bauchi State, to become an ungoverned space, stressing that measures were already in place to restore peace and normalcy.
Fear gripped residents of Dadinkowa community in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Wednesday evening after gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa group opened fire inside a mosque, killing four people and injuring five others.
The attackers reportedly invaded the mosque during evening prayers, shooting indiscriminately at worshippers before fleeing the scene.
Security sources suggest the assault may have been a retaliatory move following a recent military crackdown in the area. Earlier in the week, troops operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA foiled an attempted ambush near Mayama Hill, where five suspected Lakurawa fighters were said to have been neutralised.
The ambush targeted a military convoy reportedly conveying the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division during an operational tour of the state.
After the encounter, security operatives recovered weapons, ammunition, cash, motorcycles, and mobile phones from the suspects.
Authorities say a manhunt has been launched for those responsible for the mosque attack, with intensified security patrols aimed at restoring calm and preventing further violence.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at nearby health facilities.
The incident underscores rising security concerns in Kebbi’s North-West region. Just last week, suspected Lakurawa members allegedly killed no fewer than 33 residents in multiple attacks across communities in Arewa Local Government Area following a failed cattle rustling attempt.
At least 24 residents have been killed after suspected insurgents attacked Kirchinga village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, leaving bodies strewn across the community.
The assailants reportedly stormed the village on Tuesday, setting homes, shops and places of worship ablaze. Several residents sustained injuries, while others remain missing as security operatives continue search efforts.
Amnesty International condemned the incident, describing it as “horrifying.” Although the terrorist group Boko Haram has not officially claimed responsibility, eyewitness accounts and the pattern of the assault point to its involvement.
The rights organisation said corpses were scattered across the village and many buildings were still smouldering hours after the attackers fled. It called on authorities to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.
Police Public Relations Officer Suleiman Nguroje said the commissioner led senior officers to review existing security deployments and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, particularly the military.
During the visit, the police chief met with the Emir of Madagali, the Local Government Chairman and community leaders from Shuawari Kirchinga ward. He conveyed condolences to grieving families and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to restoring peace and increasing security presence in the area.
The police spokesperson noted that casualty figures are yet to be officially verified and promised that updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri vowed that justice would be served, insisting that his administration would not succumb to terror.
The latest attack comes days after suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly killed three persons in Garaha district of Hong Local Government Area, deepening security concerns in parts of Adamawa State.
Ukraine has alleged that more than 1,700 African nationals are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war, accusing Moscow of using deceptive tactics to recruit them.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the disclosure on Wednesday during a joint press briefing with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. According to Sybiha, Ukraine’s intelligence indicates that at least 1,780 individuals from 36 African countries have been enlisted into the Russian military.
Kyiv claims that many of these recruits were misled with false promises of employment opportunities, only to find themselves deployed to the frontlines of the conflict.
“We are witnessing attempts by Russia to pull African citizens into a brutal war,” Sybiha said, noting that Ukraine is engaging several African governments in discussions aimed at curbing what he described as exploitative recruitment schemes.
Russian officials have rejected allegations of unlawful recruitment. However, reports have surfaced in recent months suggesting that African men were enticed to Russia under the guise of civilian job offers before being redirected into combat roles in Ukraine.
Ablakwa stated that numerous African nationals caught up in the conflict were victims of online scams, particularly through dark web channels. He stressed that many lacked military training or prior security experience.
“These individuals were misled and placed directly in harm’s way,” he said.
Ghana also expressed support for Ukraine’s call for peace, urging a ceasefire as the war entered its fourth year earlier this week. Ablakwa disclosed plans to appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the release of two Ghanaian nationals currently held as prisoners of war after being captured while fighting for Russia.
Looking ahead to Ghana’s leadership of the African Union next year, Ablakwa said the country intends to spearhead awareness campaigns to expose trafficking networks allegedly facilitating the recruitment of Africans into foreign conflicts.