At least 102 people, including security personnel and armed bandits, were killed during violent clashes across Nigeria last weekend.
The surge in bandit attacks in Nigeria struck Borno, Sokoto, Edo, and Katsina states, highlighting worsening insecurity nationwide.
In Katsina State, armed bandits stormed Magajin Wando village late Friday, killing seven residents in a night assault.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security confirmed Community Watch Corps resisted the assault but later suffered an ambush.
Bandits reportedly attacked while corps members evacuated injured villagers, retaliating against resistance that earlier disrupted their nighttime operations.
Authorities explained that the volunteers’ resistance prevented greater casualties, adding several bandits were killed during the heavy exchange.
The corps’ patrol vehicle was destroyed by bullets and later set ablaze, though no fatalities were recorded there.
Katsina authorities said security operations were intensifying against criminal networks responsible for persistent bandit attacks threatening vulnerable communities.
In Sokoto State, villagers in Shagari and Bimasa launched a coordinated counterattack against bandits besieging their rural communities.
The fierce gun battle reportedly lasted hours, with locals killing 15 attackers and freeing kidnapped victims from captivity.
Dozens of rustled cattle were recovered after bandits abandoned them while retreating into surrounding forests during the assault.
Eyewitnesses described the counteroffensive as remarkable resilience, stressing the community’s unity overwhelmed heavily armed criminal elements.
Local leaders praised the villagers’ bravery but urged Sokoto State and federal authorities to strengthen security against possible reprisals.
“We will never allow bandits to dictate our lives again,” declared a youth leader from Shagari community.
These weekend incidents underscore Nigeria’s worsening security situation as government forces and communities struggle against increasingly violent bandit groups.
Analysts warn that without urgent reinforcements, bandit attacks in Nigeria could destabilize fragile rural economies and intensify humanitarian crises.
