Armed bandits have abducted 39 residents of Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State during a peace dialogue involving the parents of a notorious bandit leader.
According to the Zamfara State Police Command, the incident occurred on June 7, 2026, when 47 residents reportedly travelled to Fadama Forest in an effort to engage the parents of a feared bandit kingpin, identified as Jimo Smally, in a reconciliation meeting aimed at promoting peace in the area.
Police said the discussion was interrupted when the suspected bandit leader allegedly arrived at the location with members of his gang and forcefully took 39 participants away to an unknown destination.
The mass abduction was formally reported to authorities by the District Head of Magamin Diddi, prompting an immediate response from security agencies. The police disclosed that operational teams have since been deployed to trace the victims and secure their release.
The command assured residents that intelligence-driven operations are underway and that every effort is being made to rescue the abducted persons unharmed while bringing those responsible to justice.
In a separate development, the police announced the success of a joint security operation against bandits in parts of Anka Local Government Area. The operation, carried out by officers of the Violence Crime Response Unit alongside Civil Security Volunteers, targeted criminal hideouts in Taza, Wuya and Gwaram villages within the Jangebe Forest axis.
During the operation, security operatives reportedly engaged heavily armed bandits in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the death of three suspected criminals. Several others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds, while one suspect was arrested.
Recovered items included three AK-47 rifles, 23 rounds of live ammunition, three magazines and 10 motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminal group.
Police authorities described the operation as a significant breakthrough, noting that the Jangebe Forest area had long been considered a stronghold for armed bandits. They reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Zamfara State.
