39 Abducted in Zamfara During Bandit Leader's Parents Meeting

A peace initiative in Zamfara State, Nigeria, tragically backfired when armed bandits abducted 39 residents of Magamin Diddi during a dialogue session. The community members had gathered in Fadama Forest to meet with the parents of a suspected bandit leader, identified as Jimo Smally, in an attempt to foster reconciliation and peaceful engagement.

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However, while the meeting was ongoing, the bandit kingpin allegedly arrived at the location with members of his gang and forcefully abducted 39 members of the group to an unknown destination.

According to a report from the Divisional Police Officer of Maradun Division, the meeting was underway on June 7, 2026, when the bandit kingpin, Jimo Smally, allegedly appeared with his gang. They forcefully abducted 39 of the 47 residents present, taking them to an unknown destination.

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that an immediate investigation has been launched. Operational assets have been deployed, and security operatives are actively working on intelligence to locate and rescue the abducted individuals. The command assured the public that all efforts are being made to ensure the victims' safe return and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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Upon receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command immediately initiated efforts to trace the whereabouts of the victims and secure their safe rescue. Operational assets have been deployed, and security operatives are working on available intelligence to locate the abducted persons.

In a separate incident on the same day, the police reported neutralizing three suspected bandits during a coordinated operation in the Jangebe Forest axis of Anka Local Government Area. This operation, involving a joint security team and Civil Security Volunteers, was part of intensified efforts to combat banditry in the state. Security operatives reportedly engaged heavily armed bandits in a fierce gun battle, successfully overpowering them.

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The command assures members of the public that every effort is being made to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed and the perpetrators are brought to justice.