Nigeria: Dozens killed in bouts of insecurity in Zamfara State, Jan. 16-17

Event

Dozens of people were killed in Zamfara State during several incidents attributed to bandits, Jan. 17. Security forces have stated that at least 35 suspected bandits were killed during operations in the Bungudi and Maradun Local Government Areas. At least 10 people, including local vigilantes, were killed during the incident in Maradun. In a separate incident, security forces freed eight kidnap victims reportedly abducted in the state in December 2020.

Context

Armed banditry has emerged as a primary security threat due in part to the fragile economic situation in central and northern Nigeria. Opportunistic criminals and Fulani tribal groups remain active in forested areas and reserves in Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. Security personnel have accused ethnic Fulani farmers of perpetrating the violence against predominantly Hausa communities. While locals are more likely to be affected, the threat to foreign nationals remains.