Zamfara guards arrest suspected bandit doctor, informants, others
Zamfara Community Protection Guards Arrest Nine Suspects Linked to Banditry
GUSAU, Nigeria — The Zamfara State Community Protection Guards, also known as Askarawan Zamfara, announced the arrest of nine individuals on Wednesday in connection with banditry and various criminal activities throughout the state.
The suspects, who were presented to the media in Gusau, included individuals identified as alleged bandits, informants, logistics suppliers, drug dealers, and one individual accused of impersonating a lawyer.
The arrests resulted from intelligence-driven operations conducted in several locations across Zamfara State. Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Shehu Dalijan, commandant of the Community Protection Guards, detailed the operation during a press briefing, citing information received from individuals operating in various criminal camps.
Among those arrested was 20-year-old Abubakar Malan Ori, who confessed to spending several months in the camp of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Gwaska. Ori acknowledged participating in criminal activities not only in Zamfara but also in Kaduna and Niger states, as well as the Niger Republic. He revealed that over 226 million naira was collected as ransom from multiple kidnapping operations.
Two additional suspects, Mamman Haruna and Aliyu Lawali, reportedly provided information regarding their involvement in cattle rustling and attacks coordinated with other prominent bandit leaders.
The operation also led to the apprehension of Ibrahim Mafindi Titus, described as a “bandit doctor.” He allegedly treated wounded members of criminal groups with medical supplies sourced from outside Nigeria.
The remaining suspects included informants, logistics providers, and drug traffickers. Mustapha Muhammed was also arrested for allegedly impersonating a legal practitioner and reportedly soliciting money from a detainee’s relatives outside the Community Protection Guards’ headquarters.
Authorities continue to investigate the network of criminal activities in the region as they pursue measures to enhance security and reduce banditry.
