Security Forces Nab Zamfara Bandits’ Kingpin, Kwara Vigilante Shot Dead
Security operatives have recorded a major breakthrough in Zamfara State with the arrest of a suspected bandit kingpin, even as a vigilante officer was killed in a violent clash with suspected Fulani herders in Kwara State.
In Zamfara, security forces on Feb. 8, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., apprehended a suspected leader of a notorious bandit gang linked to a series of kidnappings and extortion activities in Tangaza Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Shehu Maniya of Kasarawa Area in Wamako LGA, was arrested at a bandit camp in Bayan Ruwa, Maradun LGA, following credible intelligence.
Sources disclosed that Maniya is currently providing useful information to investigators, which is expected to aid in the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of their weapons. Authorities said investigations are ongoing, with further developments to be communicated in due course.
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Meanwhile, in Kwara State, a vigilante operative lost his life during a confrontation with suspected Fulani herders along the Koro-Ogbe road leading to Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Feb. 9 at about 1:00 p.m., when vigilantes from Koro, acting on intelligence that armed Fulani men were sighted with cattle in the bush, mobilized alongside forest guards to verify the report. The team was reportedly ambushed by about seven armed men.
During the attack, Samuel Omotosho, an adult male from Koro Town, was shot. He was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor at a hospital where his body was taken.
Police sources said his service rifle, with registration number 316/56-1/6251622, and 15 rounds of ammunition were recovered intact at the scene. The attackers reportedly set seven motorcycles belonging to the vigilantes ablaze after the operatives fled the area.
In response, army troops, police personnel and local vigilantes have been deployed to comb the surrounding bush in search of the suspects. Authorities confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
By PRNigeria
