Armed bandits have kidnapped the traditional ruler of Yankuzo, Alhaji Babangida Kogo, in Zamfara State, just hours after a deadly Nigerian Air Force (NAF) strike killed many bandits in the same area.
The monarch was reportedly abducted on Tuesday evening near the Mararraba area in Tsafe Local Government. Sources say he was trying to flee the community due to fears that surviving bandits might retaliate.
Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that a large group of armed men on more than 10 motorcycles ambushed the monarch and his escort near the abandoned farmland of the late Alhaji Malami Yandoto.
The attackers seized the royal father and left the others behind.
This incident happened shortly after the NAF’s air component under Operation Hadarin Daji carried out a precision strike on a bandit gathering in the forest between Yankuzo and Munhaye.
Intelligence had revealed that dozens of fighters, likely gathered for a wedding or celebration, were assembling in the area.
According to military sources, the strike killed many of the armed men and left others badly injured.
It is believed that the gathering involved fighters loyal to infamous bandit leaders operating along the Tsafe, Zurmi corridor, with some reportedly coming from forests in Katsina and Sokoto states.
“The impact was massive, charred bodies and destroyed motorcycles littered the area after the strike,” a source said.
The successful air raid caused panic across nearby communities, as residents feared the bandits would launch revenge attacks. Many people began fleeing for safety.
“We knew they would strike back. That’s why our district head was leaving. Unfortunately, he ran into them before reaching safety,” said a resident of Yankuzo, who asked not to be named.
Local vigilante groups have begun searching for the abducted monarch, while military troops have also been deployed to the area to boost security and prevent further attacks.
The incident highlights the increasing desperation of bandit groups in Zamfara and across the North West, as military operations continue to put pressure on their strongholds.
