No fewer than 39 residents of Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been kidnapped by armed bandits while attending a peace meeting with the parents of a notorious gang leader, in a development that has shocked residents and security authorities.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, saying investigations and rescue efforts were already underway to secure the release of the victims.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the mass abduction occurred on Sunday, June 7, when dozens of community members embarked on what was intended to be a reconciliation mission.
The police said 47 residents of Magamin Diddi voluntarily travelled to Fadama Forest to meet with the parents of a feared bandit leader identified as Jimo Smally, with the aim of fostering dialogue and exploring peaceful ways of ending attacks in the area.
However, the peace initiative took a tragic turn when the suspected kingpin reportedly stormed the meeting venue with heavily armed gang members.
“While the meeting was ongoing, the bandit leader arrived at the location alongside his armed associates and forcefully whisked away 39 members of the group to an unknown destination,” the statement said.
The incident has heightened fears among residents of Maradun and neighbouring communities, many of whom have endured years of bandit attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling.
Police said the report was formally submitted by the District Head of Magamin Diddi through the Divisional Police Officer in Maradun on Monday morning.
Following the report, security agencies launched an extensive search operation to locate the abducted residents.
“The Zamfara State Police Command immediately activated efforts to trace the victims and ensure their safe rescue. Operational assets have been deployed, and intelligence-driven operations are ongoing,” the command stated.
Authorities assured families of the victims that every available resource was being mobilised to rescue the abductees unharmed and bring those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, the police announced a separate breakthrough in the fight against banditry, disclosing that three suspected bandits were killed during a major security operation in Anka Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted on Sunday evening, involved a joint team comprising operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit, Civilian Security Volunteers and other security personnel under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello.
The team reportedly stormed criminal hideouts located in Taza, Wuya and Gwaram villages within the notorious Jangebe Forest corridor.
According to the police, the operatives came under heavy attack from armed bandits shortly after arriving in the area, triggering a fierce gun battle.
The security forces eventually overpowered the criminals, killing three suspected bandits and forcing several others to flee with gunshot wounds.
One suspect was arrested during the operation, while security operatives recovered three AK-47 rifles, 23 rounds of live ammunition, three magazines and 10 motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminal group.
The police said no casualties were recorded among members of the security team.
The command described the operation as a significant breakthrough, noting that it marked one of the first successful incursions by security forces into parts of the Jangebe Forest long regarded as a safe haven for armed gangs.
Police authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations across Zamfara and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes in the state.
