Six Vigilantes Killed in Kebbi After Ambush by Bandits
By: Zagazola Makama
Six members of a local vigilante group were killed in an ambush by suspected bandits in Matankari Forest, Kebbi State, after they pursued the criminals without security backup.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the vigilantes were tracking the bandits following a cattle rustling incident in Dan Tulu and Rusakde villages, Arewa Local Government Area.
The bandits, numbering several, had attacked the communities on February 27, 2025, at about 15:30 hours, riding on about seven motorcycles and making away with an unspecified number of cattle before escaping into Sokoto Forest.
In response, members of the vigilante group from Dantulu mobilized and embarked on a self-organized operation to recover the stolen cattle. However, in the early hours of February 28, 2025, they fell into an ambush staged by the bandits, who opened heavy fire on them, killing all six on the spot.
Upon receiving intelligence on the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and additional vigilante members, launched a search operation in Matankari Forest. By 14:30 hours, the team successfully recovered the bodies of the slain vigilantes.
The deceased have been identified as: Lawal Dansida, 60 years, Umaru Dangoje, 70 years, Gali Umaru, 35 years, Yakubu Maigeri, 53 years, Hakilu Yusuf, 47 years and Lshiaka Liman, 60 years
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified patrols in the affected communities to prevent further attacks, assuring residents of their commitment to restoring peace.
Authorities have also warned against independent vigilante actions without proper coordination with security agencies, stressing the need for organized responses to banditry threats.
