Six members of a local vigilante group were ambushed and killed by suspected bandits in the Matankari Forest, Kebbi State, on 28 February 2025. The vigilantes had been tracking bandits who had recently carried out cattle rustling attack in nearby villages. The attack highlights the growing threat of banditry in the region and the risks faced by community-based security efforts.
The six victims, all members of a local vigilante group, had been pursuing suspected cattle rustlers responsible for a robbery on 27 February. The bandits had attacked the villages of Dan Tulu and Rusakde, which are part of Arewa Local Government Area, stealing an unspecified number of cattle before fleeing into the nearby Sokoto Forest.
The group of vigilantes, mobilised from the village of Dantulu, embarked on a self-organised operation to recover the stolen cattle. However, their mission took a tragic turn when they fell into an ambush set by the bandits in the early hours of 28 February. According to sources, the attackers, who were heavily armed, opened fire on the vigilantes, killing all six members instantly.
The victims have been identified as Lawal Dansida, 60; Umaru Dangoje, 70; Gali Umaru, 35; Yakubu Maigeri, 53; Hakilu Yusuf, 47; and Lshiaka Liman, 60. These individuals, who had volunteered to protect their community, paid the ultimate price in their effort to bring lawlessness under control in their region.
Upon receiving intelligence of the attack, troops from Operation FANSAN YANMA, alongside police personnel and other vigilante members, launched a search operation to locate the bodies of the slain vigilantes. By 14:30 hours on 28 February, the team successfully recovered their remains from the Matankari Forest.
The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by local security groups and the growing need for coordinated efforts between vigilantes, law enforcement, and military personnel in combating banditry.
The attack in Kebbi State comes as part of a wider pattern of escalating violence by bandits across northern Nigeria. Banditry, which includes cattle rustling, kidnappings, and attacks on communities, has become a significant security concern in the region, especially in states like Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina.
The Nigerian government has been struggling to effectively contain the activities of bandits, whose attacks on villages, schools, and highways have caused widespread fear and displacement. Despite various military operations targeting bandit groups, such as Operation Sharan Daji and Operation FANSAN YANMA, banditry remains rampant in many parts of northern Nigeria.
In response to the tragedy, authorities have urged the public to avoid taking independent security measures without proper coordination with the relevant agencies. While vigilante groups can assist law enforcement in certain cases, their actions must be carefully planned and aligned with the strategies of security forces to avoid unnecessary casualties.
