Yobe Village Head, Two Sons Arrested Over Alleged Terrorism, Serial Attacks On Zango Community

Security agencies have arrested the Village Head of Azare Community in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, Lawan Ganga, alongside his two sons over alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities and a series of violent attacks in the state.

The suspects, identified as Gambo Lawal Ganga and Ibrahim Lawal Ganga, were taken into custody on 18 September 2026 following a sustained manhunt for members of an alleged criminal network linked to attacks in Gulani and Gujba Local Government Areas.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the arrested suspects have provided information that could help security agencies unravel the circumstances surrounding attacks allegedly carried out over the past three years.

Of particular interest to investigators is information relating to persons suspected of financing, sponsoring or otherwise facilitating the attacks.

Several other suspected members of the group are reportedly still at large, with security agencies continuing efforts to locate and apprehend them.

The development has reportedly generated concern in some quarters, with allegations that certain politically influential and highly placed individuals may be attempting to intervene in the matter and secure the release of some suspects.

The allegations have not been independently established, but security authorities are expected to investigate any attempt to interfere with an ongoing terrorism-related investigation.

The reported crisis dates back to June 2024, when an armed group allegedly began a series of attacks against members of the Zango Community in Gulani Local Government Area.

Community sources allege the attacks were motivated, among other things, by an attempt to gain control of agricultural land belonging to residents.

The violence reportedly resulted in repeated killings, injuries, abductions and destruction of property. Community representatives claim more than 25 people have been killed or injured over the period under review.

One of the major incidents occurred on 9 August 2025, when armed men allegedly attacked the Zango Community, killing several residents and leaving others seriously injured.

The attack prompted intervention by personnel of the Bara Divisional Police Station in Gulani, who were said to have recovered victims’ bodies and evacuated injured residents to Damaturu General Hospital.

A manhunt was subsequently launched for those suspected to be responsible, which led to the arrest of the ring leader Lawan Aliyu Ganga. The relationship between Lawan Aliyu Ganga and the recently arrested Lawan Ganga remains unclear.

Information provided by community sources indicates the alleged violence occurred in several phases. On 12–14 June 2024, residents reportedly came under attack, resulting in killings, injuries and alleged looting of properties.

On 16 July 2024, one elder Audu Wanzam was reportedly attacked near a well known as Rijiyar Audu Wanzam while working on his farm. Another attack was allegedly recorded on 19 July 2024.

On 7 November 2024, several residents were allegedly abducted and taken to an unknown destination, with ransom demands subsequently made. The community reportedly experienced another major attack in June 2025, followed by the 9 August 2025 incident.

The reported attacks have raised questions concerning the response of traditional and local government authorities in the affected areas. Community sources said reports of the attacks were brought to the attention of the Gujba Emirate Council, headed by Alhaji (Dr.) Mai Mukhtar Ibn Ali, the Emir of Gujba, as well as local government authorities in Gujba and Gulani.

Residents are demanding clarification on what measures were taken by the relevant authorities following repeated reports of violence.

It was alleged by a community at Zango that Lawan Aliyu Ganga boasted he must seize the farmland of Zango people and that if residents failed to obey his demand, he would ensure the Village Head of Zango community was brought to his palace. There are allegations that the suspects may have exploited their positions and local influence to facilitate criminal activities, though such allegations remain subject to investigation.

Residents are calling on security agencies to widen the investigation, identify those who allegedly planned and financed the attacks, trace the weapons used and determine whether anyone attempted to obstruct the investigation.

The suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the allegations have not been independently established.