ANFODIYO UNIV

UD ER
AN 1975

S IT
USM

Y
USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY,
SOKOTO

FODIYO UN
15 th

U DAN IVE
AN 1975 R
UNIVERSITY SEMINAR SERIES
S IT
USM

“I AM A BANDIT”
A decade of Research in Zamfara State

Bandit’s Den
by
Dr. Murtala Ahmed Rufa’i
(B.A., M.A., PhD.)
Department of History
Faculty of Arts & Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Thursday, 9th September, 2021

 ANFODIYO UNIV
UD ER
AN 1975

S IT
USM

Y
THE CENTRAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE
FOR UNIVERSITY INAUGURAL LECTURES AND SEMINARS
under the Chairmanship of
The Vice-Chancellor
PROF. L.S. Bilbis
B.Sc, PhD., FSAN, FNSBMB, FASI
Presents the

15 th

University
Seminar Series
Titled:

“I AM A BANDIT”
A decade of Research in Zamfara State

Bandit’s Den
Delivered by:
Dr. M. A. Rufa’i
(B.A., M.A., PhD.)
Department of History
Faculty of Arts & Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

On Thursday 9th September, 2021

1 2
 Thursday, 9th September, 2021
ANFODIYO UNIV
UD ER
AN 1975

S IT
USM
'I AM A BANDIT':

Y
A Decade of Research in Zamfara State

USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY Bandit’s Den

SOKOTO Delivered under the Chairmanship of
The Vice-Chancellor
15TH UNIVERSITY SEMINAR SERIES Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis
BSC, PhD, FSAN, FNSBMB, FSESN, FASI

'I AM A BANDIT': by
A Decade of Research in Zamfara State
Dr. Murtala Ahmed Rufa'i
Bandit’s Den (B.A., M.A., PhD.)
Department of History
Faculty of Arts & Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
by
Dr. Murtala Ahmed Rufa'i All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced,
Department of History stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise
without the permission of the author.

Printed SEPTEMBER, 2021

Thursday, 9th September, 2021

Designed & Printed by Graphic Concept Academy

Diplomat Area, Sokoto - Nigeria +2348036086882

3 4
 killed over 12,000 people and stole about 250,000 livestock from
INTRODUCTION 2011 to 2021.5 About 120 villages destroyed while 50,000 people
were either internally displaced or made refugees in the

C
ontemporary rural insecurity, otherwise known as rural neighbouring Niger Republic. Since the outbreak of this violence,
banditry started in Zamfara around 2011, as a traditional several attempts and mechanisms were put in place to arrest the
farmer-herder conflict or insignificant rural unrest, situation, by both the state and non-state actors, but to no avail. The
changing into full-blown conflict, engulfing most parts of the intent of this paper is to study the origin, operations and structure
Northwest. Multiple factors account for the transformation of this of armed groups in Zamfara state. It demonstrates with clear
conflict. Traditional rulers, politicians, security agencies, gold evidence the remote and immediate factors that led to the
miners are among the notable actors in the conflict. The first emergence and transformation of the groups and their operational
1 2
criminal gang was formed by Kundu, and Buharin Daji. It grew tactics over time
from a single cell, mainly in operating in Zamfara in 2011, to over
3
one hundred and twenty (120) gangs across six states in 2021.
These gangs are basically associated with mass killing of innocent
people, cattle rustling, kidnapping, gender based and sexual
violence (GBSV) and other related human rights abuses. At the
beginning they lived in the woods and mountainous areas, from
where they unleashed terror on the rural and urban areas in the
states. Some of the bandits have become very daring to the extent
of operating from their respective villages.
Approximately, there are over 10,000 armed bandits operating
across different parts of Zamfara state.4 These gangs have so far
1
Kundu was originally from Kastina, and by extension Bakatsine. His parents migrated from
unknown village in Kastina and settled in a village around Kastina-Zamfara border. The village is
called Zeranya village in present Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State,
2
BuharinDaji Killed his master and mentor Kundu and became the supreme leader of the gang, until
his death on March, 7, 2018 in an encounter with his fellow rival gang Dogo Gede, Buhari was
responsible from the expansion of the group across different areas of the Northwest.
3
Their main areas of operations is the Northwest are the states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi
and Kaduna and Niger state in the North-central part of Nigeria.
4
Daily Trust Newspaper, Sunday, December, 25, 2016: Armed Banditry: Mixed Reactions trail
peace dialogue in Zamfara. About one thousand armed bandits surrendered their weapons and
renounced banditry in Zurmi Local Government Area. Oral Interview with one of the major
stakeholders in the disarmament process put the number of bandits in Zamfara during this period to
over five thousand. The reason according to him was that there were more bandits in Maru, Tsafe, 5.
A Comprehensive Brief on the on-going Peace Process in Zamfara State Submitted to Army War
and Shinkafi Local Government Areas than in Zurmi Local Government Area. These bandits were College Nigeria Course 3/2019 Participants by CP Usman Nagogo on 22nd October, 2019
from different ethnic groups and some even from other neighbouring countries.

5 6
Historical Context first class Emirs in Zamfara State are allegedly deeply involved in
Banditry is not a new phenomenon in Zamfara region, because it banditry'.12 During the colonial period, the region was also
had historical antecedents in the area. Traditional praise singers confronted with a situation where bandits killed about 210 traders
and oral historians spoke on how the activities of the bandits and made away with goods worth £165,000:00. As reported, this
affected trade and other economic pursuits in the pre-colonial onslaught occurred in the Zamfara axis to victims from Kano on
13
6
period. Some traditional rulers around Dan-Sadau area were their way to the French territory. The attendant constant
accused of colluding with bandits in armed robbery and rustling harassment, intimidation and raids on herdsmen and traders
14
around 1891.7 continued unabated around Kwotarkwashi as far back as 1911.
Historically, armed banditry was an organized cross-border crime. These raids as reported by the Resident of Sokoto Province
The Asebenawa, Tuaregs, Fulani and Gobirawa from both British McAllister caused immeasurable damage to the economy of the
8
and French territories formed the major culprits. Communities Province.15
around Kwotarkwashi, Mada, Chafe and Dansadau were direct The Colonial government responded to this widespread menace of
accomplice to the crime.9 The hills of Kwotarkwashi and Chafe for rural banditry by stationing armed policemen in all the strategic
instance, provided shelter to the criminals, from where they routes across Sokoto Province tasking them with the
organized and executed their unwholesome activities, which often responsibility of ensuring security, as well as inventory of goods
resulted into serious casualties. The difficult nature of the terrain and livestock, with a view to also generating revenue through the
16
contributed to this development by making the perpetrators collection of Caravan Tolls. Such cross-border disturbances had
untraceable.10 In fact, considerable part of the rustled livestock and not been peculiar to only Zamfara or Nigerian areas alone but
stolen goods were usually taken to Niger Republic and Mali common to most colonial territories in West Africa as Addo
during this period.
11 observes:
The situation has, except for the use of sophisticated weapons and
mass carnage not changed in the present. Substantial parts of the Cross-border crimes in West Africa have been in existence
since the colonial period. Initially, they were manifested in
12.
6.
Alhaji Bello Abubakar, 68 years, Birnin Ruwa Gusau, 19 September, 2016. Committee's Report on Insecurity in Zamfara State. It contained valuable information on the
7.
NAK: SNP:17: Sokprof. Security Report on Dan-Sadau Area, 1913 origin and different facets of insecurity in the state. The 500 page draft report has a list of high level
8. actors in this conflict. The above figure on death toll quoted in the report is for the entire period of
NAK/Sokprof.No.41: Report for the Quarterly Year ending... Ibid
9. the conflict from 2010- 2019.
NAK/Sokprof.No.42: Report for the Quarterly Year ending, June, 30th , 1911 by Mc Allister, 1911. 13.
NAK/PRO/FO/403-316: Consul-General Jago to the Marquess of Land owed (received October,
Also, young men of Tudunawa, Zongonawa and Tamawa who resides at the hill- top of
Kwatarkwashi collaborated with the other people from Niger in carrying out rural banditry. 15 no.4. Africa) Tripoli, North Africa, October, 7th, 1901. A copy of this file is deposited in National
10. Archives Kaduna and Department of History, Bayero University Kano.
The presence of this gave the people an opportunity to carry out their raids and banditry, an 14.
informant confirmed that the hill covers a large area and accommodate the communities of Tofa, NAK/Sokprof.No.41: Report for the Quarterly Year ending, March, 31st 1911 by Mc Allister,
Sankalawa, Dubewa, Gulubba, Kurmi and Madauci who lived at the bottom of the hill. 1911
15.
11.
NAK//Sokprof.No.42: Report for the Quarterly Year ending, June, 30th , 1911...op cit NAK/Sokprof.No.41: Report for the Quarterly Year ending ...ibid
16.
E.A Speed, (ed) Laws of the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria, Being the Schedule of the Statute
Laws Revision Proclamation, 1910, Stevens and Sons, 1910,p.401

7 8
 the form of individuals or groups of traders and transported through such routes. 20 The SALWs are often conveyed
businessmen and women smuggling goods across the on camels, horses, donkeys and other related livestock in the name
21
borders, as well as transnational syndicates who engaged of legal or legitimate goods. In 2005, an estimated 4 million illicit
in the trafficking of drugs, arms and human beings, among arms were circulating in West Africa, out of which 1.5 million
other things, as means of livelihood. West African 22
could be found in Nigeria. However, as at 2021, the number,
criminal networks are generally characterized by their ownership, use and sophistication of these weapons have tripled
flexibility and ability to take on different forms and mode the 2005 figures. This is considering the increasing spate of
of operations. The criminal enterprises in West Africa used violence in the country. Figure one below is the map of Nigeria
similar techniques to that of legitimate traders and showing the study area.
business people, typical of lineage-based societies. 17

This trend continued to surface and resurface in the post-colonial

period, rearing its ugly head in many dimensions especially with
the outbreak of intra-state conflicts in West Africa, which began
with Liberia in 1989. In fact, constant civil wars and insecurity
across the sub-region have provided a pool of mercenaries for
18
recruitment into rural and urban conflict in Nigeria. Anecdotal
evidence in support of this statement is the discovery of about
1,497 illegal routes across different Nigerian borders which
criminals use in the smuggling of Small Arms and Light Weapons
19
(SALWs). People living in the country-side often observed the
movement of these SALWs through unlawful routes. Herdsmen of
Nigerian origin and their Malian, Chadian and Nigerien
counterparts used the same routes to circulate SALWs.
Similarly, prior to the outbreak of rural violence in Zamfara the
vigilante and other security operatives had intercepted such arms Figure 1:1 Map of Nigeria Showing Zamfara State and its Local Government Areas
17. 20.
P. Addo, 'Cross-Border Criminal Activities in West Africa: Options for Effective Responses', Alhaji Bello Danrani Bakura, Oral Interview at lambar Bakura, 15th August, 2016
21.
KAPTC Paper, No.12, May, 2006. I. Abdullahi,'Contextualizing the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria: The
18.
K. Aning,' Liberia, Niger and Nigeria' In R. Moyes, (ed). Explosive Remnants of War and Mines Untold Story': International Journal of Business and Law Research 3(1): 1-14, January- March
Other than Anti-Personnal Mines-Global Survey, 2003-2004 London, Landmine Action. 2015, SEAHI Publications, 2015, www.seahipaj.org.
19. 22.
F.C. Onuoha, 'Porous Borders and Boko Haram's Arms Smuggling Operations in Nigeria',Al- A. Ebo,“Small Arms Proliferation in Nigeria”: (ed) Oiling the Violence: The Proliferation of
Jezeera Centre for Studies, Sept .2013. Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Niger Delta, Abuja. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, 2006

9 10
Factors and Actors Their perception was that pastoral communities in the state were
Contemporary armed groups first emerged around Dan-Sadau subjected to all forms of extortion, exploitation and deprivation
District, Maru Local Government area in Zamfara state. Several from different agencies. They were denied justice mostly in the
hypotheses have theories and school of thoughts evolved as to the lower courts. When a pastoralist was involved in any squabble
reason for the rise of the criminal gangs in the area. The first is the with a farmer, the case would usually delay unnecessarily. The
speculation that says politicians in the state sponsored and armed accused Fulani, known to have a phobia for courts and their
some youth as political thugs to achieve their ambition in 2011.
23 unwarranted justice delay, would be ready to bribe his way out of
The youth were abandoned after winning the elections, who then the court. 30 Cases involving the police were the worst according to
went into drug abuse, cattle stealing, robbery and later an informant who said that both the judges and police were 'birds
31
transformed into armed gangs attacking villages on motorbikes.24 of the same feathers'.
The first motorbikes used in the attacks were donations from The Fulani man according to the narrative had became a source of
politicians during elections campaign. 25 This explains the nexus income for the law enforcement agents. 32 Allegations of extortion
26
between bandits and politicians in the state. At the onset of extend to hospitals, where access to healthcare is often
33
conflict in 2011, authorities in Zamfara remained adamant, accompanied by extortion and exorbitant charges. Added to
confused and unresponsive; thus adding flavour to the politician's these is lack of access to education, veterinary services and animal
connection to the conflict. Instead of strengthening the formal and
informal security architecture in the state, the conflict was
“sedated” and armed groups were lull to sleep through amnesty
27
and state pardon.
The second narrative emphasized social grievance arising from
the perceived deep rooted injustice against the pastoral
28
communities. The first armed group emerged with the name
Kungiyar Gayu in Zamfara towards the end of 2011. Its initial aim
as claimed by some of the founding fathers was to ensure the unity
29
of the pastoralists and the struggle for social justice.
Dogo Gide Late Buharin-Daji
27.
On 18th December, 2016, the first set of the bandits about 1,000 of them surrendered their weapons 30.
Alhaji Buba Sani, 53 years Interview in Badarawa village, June, 2017. According to him,
and embraced peace in Zurmi Local Government. In a similar development, another group of Fulani accused person is often double charged by the lawyers, court clerks and even judges.
bandits follow suit under the leadership of notorious Buharin Daji on 25th December, 2016. Sometimes they pay for the adjournment of case and also pay another amount for the date the
28.
S.Y.B. Kura, 'Rural Terror, Cow and Governance: The Dynamics of Armed Banditry and Cattle case will be fixed. A cases that ordinarily supposed to last for two months will end up prolonged
Rustling in Zamfara', in Moses T. Aluaigba, (ed) Land Resource- Based Conflicts in Nigeria, to six or eight months for to collect bribe from the accused person.
Mambayya House, Kano, 2021, 255-292. 31.
Alhaji Buba Sani, 53 years Interview in Badarawa village...
29.
Interview with Buharin Daji on 25th December, 2016 in Government House, Gusau Zamfara State 32
. Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Jabaka, 56 years, Interview , 17 February, 2018
33 .
Tukur Abubakar Jangebe, Aged 56 ,Chairman, MACBAN
11 12
feeds. Grazing routes and reserves were mostly shared amongst the reason why observers pointed at the 'politics of gold mining' as
politicians and traditional rulers in the state. 34 a factor in the rise of the groups. 40 Another source claimed that
Third is the illicit mining argument which sees the rise of the 'there is 'cut-throat competition' amongst miners. Some of the
conflict from the perspective of the struggle amongst the miners attacks were partly instigated by traditional rulers involved in the
each with the aim of getting an upper hand in the competition.
35
illicit mining with a view to displacing their subjects' 41 According
Zamfara State is one of the few States in the Northwest blessed to Desert Herald Newspaper:
with huge gold deposits mostly exploited by foreign illicit miners, The solid mineral resources in the state have been hijacked
Chinese, Russians, and South Africans in collaboration with the by highly placed people in the state including traditional
local artisanal miners. 36 The foreign firms were accused of rulers… mining has continued to arouse and attract local
supplying arms to the locals against their rival group. There were and international attentions with regard to mining and
reported cases of raiding and killings around some of the mining exploration of these vast deposits in the
sites in the state around 2014/2015; implying that they were state…considering the fact that illegal mining is the main
sponsored by competing groups. These atrocities were allegedly business of the traditional rulers and highly placed people
committed with the support of some traditional and political in the state…who are always at loggerheads with other
leaders within and outside Zamfara state.37 artisanal miners. 42
Following this line of argument, the first set of armed groups
according to sources was young boys from the forests of Dan-
Sadau, Dan-Gulbi and Bagega; areas the major mining areas of
38
Zamfara. Helicopters were often seen in the areas exchanging
weapons for gold. Whenever and wherever these helicopters were
spotted in an area, in no short time there could bloodshed. 39 This is
34.
Muhammad Bello, 48 years, Chairman MACBAN, Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, August, 20,
2016.
35.
Bello S, Cattle Rustling in Zamfara State: A challenge to National Security and Economic
Development, being a paper presented at a National Conference, Federal University, Gusau,
Zamfara state.
36.
Anka, S.A. Emerging Issues in Zamfara Armed Banditry and Cattle Rustling: Collapse of the
Peace Deal and Resurgence of Fresh Violence. International Journal of Innovative Research and
Development 6 (12), 2017 p. 161, It is important to note that gold from Zamfara is routinely Map of Zamfara State showing frequency of banditry and
smuggled out of the state to ready markets in neighboring Togo, Benin and Niger. From here, the
gold finds its way to other markets across the world, with Nigeria benefiting next to nothing from the cattle rustling by Local Government Areas.
sale; and Zamfara maintaining its status as one of the poorest states in the country 40.
37.
Haidara M. 'Bad Leadership and its Impacts on Security Situation in Zamfara, Press Release by Bello Anka, Anka town, farmer and trader…,ibid.
41.
Zamfara State, Chapter of Northern Youths Assembly, 23rd August 2014. Anonymous miner in Bagega, 2016.
42.
38.
Anonymous traditional ruler from Anka Emirate, 25 August, 2021 Desert Herald Newspaper, Zamfara 2016 ' Budget of the People: A Hard nut to crack for
39.
Bello Anka, Anka town, farmer and trader, 48 years, 25 August, 20121 Governor Yari, 19th February, 2016

13 14
On the other hand some people see the armed groups-illicit miners' victims were unfortunately; Fulani; leading to the ethnic profiling
alliance as 'protective'. 43 Mining is naturally a peaceful economic of the pastoralists.. 47 The yan- sakai are believed to have
venture. The miners could hardly operate under conflict situation; committed more atrocities than the vigilante group. The memory
therefore, the miners pay money as 'protection levy' to the armed of how the yan-sakai used to storm Shinkafi market to gruesomely
groups in return for protection and continued exploitation of the killed suspected bandits is still fresh in people's minds.48 An
resource. 44 At the peak of the conflict in 2018, local and foreign informant confirmed that they had never seen a worst insecurity,
miners were still found peacefully operating in the various deadly where yan-sakai cut human beings into pieces in the market
forests. There has never been record of either abduction or killing square and burnt the pieces into ashes without any fear. 49 It was
of these foreign illicit miners in the state. This is one of the reasons only after the first and second public execution of the suspected
50
why the locals see the conflict as nothing but international bandits that the entire community frowned at the act. Therefore,
conspiracy to displace and denying them access to their 'God- both the VGN and their Yan- Sa-kai supporters contributed to the
Given' natural resources. 45 The Federal Government's ban all escalation of the conflict.
mining operations in the state since 2018 cloud probably be in Rise of Armed Groups
response to this concern. The State Government on its own part
Historically, the first armed group evolved in 2011, led by Kundu
suspended some traditional rulers for allegedly supporting the
46
and the notorious Buharin Daji both of Fulani background. They
armed groups and engaging in illicit mining activities. Whether named the group kungiyar gayu, meaning an association of young
or not any or all of these hypotheses hold, one factor that 51
guys, even though none of them was a youth. The public referred
contributed to the escalation of the conflict was the activities of
to them as kungiyar barayin shanu, (i.e cattle rustlers association)
non- state security operatives like the Vigilante Group of Nigeria,
(CRA). It operated underground in the forests, but its real motive
Yan-Banga and Yan-sa-kai.
started to manifest itself in 2012, when cases of cattle rustling
The operations of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), pushed the
armed groups out of towns and villages to the highly ungoverned
spaces, where they established different camps in the numerous
forests across the state. The VGN attacked, maimed and even 47.
M. A. Rufa'i 'Vigilante Groups and Rural Banditry in Zamfara State: Excesses and Contradictions',
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)
engaged in extrajudicial killings of accused persons. Most of their ISSN (Online): 2319 – 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 7714
www.ijhssi.org ||Volume 7 Issue 06 Ver. I ||Jun. 2018 || PP.65-73
43. 48
Musa Umar, Maru town Oral Interview, 2, March, 2014. Yunusa Abdullahi, 50 years, Member of the MVG, Shinkafi Town, 18th September, 2016
44.
Anonymous village head in Dansadau Emirate, 20th February, 2016. 49.
Bello Mai Dawa, 55 years Member of the VGN, Shinkafi town, 18th September, 2016
45. 50.
Idem Idem
46. 51.
Desert Herald Newspaper, Banditry: Five Zamfara emirs, 33 district heads face dismissal. The According information, Kundu was 42 when he was killed by Buhari in 2014. Also Buhari was in-
committee set up by the Zamfara State Government to find solutions to banditry in the state has between the ages of 44-45 before he was ambushed and killed by Dogo Gide, on 7 March, 2021. The
recommended the removal of five emirs, 33 district heads in its report submitted on Friday. 11, name Buharin Daji was coined by the residents of the state. It means “Buhari of the Forest”, his real
October, 2019 name was Buhari Tsoho.

15 16
 52
began in the state. Members of the gang considered it as a cultural gang was into cattle rustling, some herders joined so as to
association aimed at the liberation of the Fulani from circumvent cattle rustling harassment from the members. It was
highhandedness of security agents, traditional rulers and alleged that some leading Fulani families in Zamfara, Sokoto and
politicians. 53 This is not to justify the use of arms by the bandits Katsina states made donations of cash and cattle, while some
against the state and innocent citizens but to unveil their deep- expressed moral support and goodwill to the members to avoid
rooted grievances.54 The association was formed at a point when bitter consequences.60 However, making donations to the gang
herders in the state were migrating to the neighbouring states, due and/or asking a member of the family to join the gang did not
to large scale encroachment and confiscation of the grazing shield the donors from the menace of the gang. Fulani were mostly
55
areas. Members of this association claimed that politicians and the major victims of early cattle rustling in Zamfara. Larger part of
56
traditional rulers colluded in denying them access to the reserves. the cattle belonged to them and they were coerced into the gang
Initially, its members were Fulani; creating room for ethnic through the threat of rustling. The essence of this early phase of
profiling and the criminalisation of the Fulanis as cattle rustlers in rustling was to exchange cattle for weapons, logistics and other
the state. Such ethnic profiling was responsible for forcing many essential goods.61
herders into the gang. 57 A repentant bandit claimed to have joined In the beginning gang members were mostly into rustling, robbery
the gang due to constant harassment and intimidation by the and other minor criminalities. The change in the pattern of
security agencies because of his ethnic background.58 operations started with the creation of Yan-Sa-kai and the
At the onset, membership was restricted to the Fulani, especially intensification of the war against members of the gangs.62 As stated
during the recruitment exercise, 2011 to 2012. Recruitment was elsewhere, the Yan-Sa-kai had unlimited powers and support from
through conscription, use of cash and cows, promise for sex and their sponsors; hence, they could arrest, maim and kill an accused
leisure as well as intimidation of other Fulani people. 59 Since the person without recourse to the law. The first incident that triggered
52.
change in the course of the conflict was the brutal killing of Alhaji
Tukur Abubakar Jangebe, Aged 56 , Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association,
(MACBAN) Zamfara State, Interview Conducted at the State Government House Gusau, 13th. Isshe, in Chilin, Dan-Sadau Emirate, Maru LGA of Zamfara State. He
August/ 2014.
53.
Tukur Abubakar Jangebe, Aged 56 , Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, was killed by Yan-Sa-kai on 16th August, 2012 on the accusation of
Zamfara State, Interview Conducted at the State Government House Gusau, 13th. August/ 2014. 63
54.
According to Jangebe, their people were denied access to pipe borne water, electricity and harbouring criminals and supporting rustlers. The public murder of
right to participate in elections. This view is also emphasized by Shehu Rekep, a bandit's leader Isshe, was used as a justification for reprisal and mass killings of
in his interview with Abdulaziz- Abdulaziz of Daily Trust News paper.
55.
Abubakar Maradun, Oral Interview, 68 year, retired range manager, Zamfara state, 15, March, 60.
2021. Interview with Sarkin Kudun Badarawa, 35 year, Badarawa village, September, 7, 2016
61.
56.
Interview with Buharin Daji on 25th December, 2016. Alhaji Ardo Nashaware, 45 years, Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji, 22 August, 2021.
62.
57.
Tukur Abubakar Jangebe, Aged 56, Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Alhaji Ardo Nashaware, 45 years
63.
Association...idem. Alhaji Sani Babbar Doka, 45 years, State Secretary, Yansakai, Zamfara state, February, 20,
58.
Abubakar Abdullahi Buratai, 25 years, repentant bandit, Tudun Wada Gusau, 12, Feburary, 2021. Alhaji Isshe was a decent and innocent Fulaniman, who command respect by all Fulani
2021. and non-Fulani people in Dansdau emirate. He was the head of one of the oldest Fulani clan in
59.
Tukur Abubakar Jangebe, Aged 56, Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders the Emirate. The killing of Isshe in the presence of some of his family members led to the
Association...idem. adoption of banditry as part of the conflict strategies.

17 18
innocent people by the gang. Furthermore, late Isshe family 68
mobilized fighters and extended invitation to the gang for reprisal emerged after the fall of Buharin Daji. Buhari's son Aliyu Zakwai
64
attacks few days later. Member of the gang multiplied in number, became a leader of another wing. Zakwai was not as notorious as
his farther, but a major force to reckon with in Dansadau. After the
strength, power and weapons and even connections in 2013.65 It
introduction of amnesty by the incumbent government in Zamfara
also became more heterogeneous and transnational in 2016,
state in 2019, he accepted the programme and left the woods for a
constituting members from Niger Republic, Mali and Chad,
new life in the city.
mostly Tauregs with links to Sahellian rebels. 66
The infiltration of these foreign elements transformed the gang in
several ways. New members were recruited, more weapons were
introduced and fighters were trained in modern guerrilla strategies
and tactics. Kidnapping and abduction for ransom was adopted as
a new strategy in addition to cattle rustling. Large numbers of
poverty-stricken youth across villages were used as informants
supplying intelligence for awesome pecuniary rewards.67
Furthermore, there was a change in the strategy of the violence
from cattle rustling to the raiding of villages, kidnapping and other
related Gender and Sexual Based Violence (GSBV) across
Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna States. Most of the affected
areas in Sokoto and Katsina share boundaries with Zamfara. This
explains why the violence radiates around state borderlines.
Armed violence reached its climax in 2018 with the proliferation
of more gangs. Thus, with the assassination of Buharin Daji during
this period, new deadly cells surfaced. About 30 splinter gangs

Adamu (Aliero) Yankuzo

64.
Alhaji Sani Babbar Doka, 45 years, State Secretary, Yansakai, Zamfara state
65.
Interview with an ex-bandit in Gusau, August, 20, 2021.
66.
Interview with Alhaji Nashama, armed bandits, 38 years, Gidan Kaso area, Birnin Magaji,
LGA, Zamfara state, 22 August, 2021. 68.
Alhaji Sani Babbar Doka, 46 years, interview, Sabon Gida Area, Gusau, Zamfara state, 25th
67.
Bello Musa Zurmi, 46 year Commandant Vigilante Group of Nigeria, (VGN) Zurmi Local Febuary, 2021. Alhaji Sani is the state secretary of yan-sakai in Zamfara state. He has a better,
Government Area, Zamfara State deeper and clearer knowledge of the history of armed groups in Zamfara state.

19 20
 74
Profile of Bandits possession more than 500 AK 47 or AK49 guns. Some of the
Armed groups have over time generated huge capital from many gangs like that of Gide, Mai-Taguwa and Turji owns more
outlets, and spent handsomely in arms procurement and intelligent sophisticated weapons like RPGS and Anti-Aircraft.75 Therefore,
69
gathering. Some members within the groups were notoriously young and junior group members have free access to the weapons
associated with weapon suppliers. Alhaji Altine, Shehu Rekep in and could organize minor attacks, raids and kidnappings without
Zamfara and Musa Yellow Janbross in Kaduna used their the consent of the leaders.
international connections. Through their contacts across the Large scale operations were mostly and largely done or even led
Sahel, particularly Libya and Mali, they supply arms which were by the gang-heads. What is confounding about these bandits is that
ferried across the ever-increasing porous borders located in the although they are united for the same purpose, they are
70
Northwest. Beside these notable individuals, there are a couple paradoxically divided along difficult camps. Thus, the quest for
of middlemen and retailers of arms across different forests in the more sophisticated weapons was not largely motivated by the
region. An informant reveals that 'getting foodstuff in the camp is fashion for attack and killings, but largely against other rival
76
more difficult than acquiring an AK47'. Members could sell or groups. The deadlier a gang's weapons, the more fearful it
even rent out weapon to someone but could not give him food to becomes within the crime circle. Therefore, the dream of any gang
eat.71 leader is to acquire the latest modern firearms in order to instil fear
Thus, the arm business is an industry of its own in the forests and in the minds of camp members and other competitors.77Arms
camps. There are members that do not go out for operation, but procurement and inter-gang rivalry is a common feature of the
only remain in the camps to rent out guns and sell ammunitions to groups. The competition and rivalry is borne out of jealously,
members. Sometimes, this class of arm dealers made more money conflicting interest and lack of proper organizational structure.78
72
than the field fighters. Aging and incapacitated gang leaders This has over the years resulted in conflict and clashes from within
79
could retire and became gunrunners or renters. That is enough to and outside the gangs leading to the death of many members.
sustain them within the camp. Powerful camps and gangs like the That notwithstanding, the gangs have devised a means of conflict
one headed by Dan-Karami of Zurmi, Alhaji Auta of Birnin resolution amongst themselves. All LGAs with substantial
Magaji, Halilu of Chafe, Turji of Isa and Dogo Gide of Birnin number of bandits have group or individuals, mostly elders that
Gwari have the financial capacity and connections to procure 74.
73 Interview with Commandant Kaduna State Vigilante Services, 20th April, 2021
large number of weapons. Each of these groups has in its 75.
Alhaji Ardo Na-Shaware, 48 years, GidanKaso, BirninMagaji, 7th April, 2021
76.
Interview with Dan-Karami, Leader of Armed group in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State
69. 77.
Alhaji Sani Babbar Doka, 45 years, State Secretary, Yansakai, Zamfara state . .Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years, GidanKaso,...
70.
Interview with Commissioner of Internal Security, Kaduna State, Government House, 20th 78.
M.A. Rufa'i ' Inter and Intra Bandit Gang Rivalry in Zamfara Region' Being a paper presented
April, 2021 Fourth National Conference Organized by the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies on the theme
71.
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 45 years, GidanKaso, Birnin Magaji, 7th April, 2021 Zamfara Kingdom Past and Present, Venue FIAS, 25th -28th
72.
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years, GidanKaso, Birnin Magaji, 7th April, 2021 79.
Buharin Daji killed kundu in 2014, while Dogo Gide killed Buharin Daji on March, 7, 2018.
73.
Field Work in Birnin Gwari, Zamfara and Sokoto states, March to April, 2021 Awalun Daudauwa was killed by a rival gang in 2021.

21 22
 80
reconcile the gangs in case of conflict. The mediators are mostly Table 1: Major Bandit leaders in the Northwest and their Areas of Operations
either repentant or active bandits. The repentant members, largely S/N Armed Groups Location Crime
1. Abubakar Abdallah (alias Kaduna and Niger States Kidnapping, Cattle
live in towns and villages, but very often visit the camps for the Dogo Gide) Rustling Armed R obbery
purpose of mediation. They constituted the first generation of Gender-Based and Sexual
Violence (GBSV). Has
armed groups, making heavy-weight individuals within the ranks contact and connections
with ISWAP and Boko
of the gangs.81 Haram and was responsible
for the kidnapping of 102
Consequently, to minimize inter-gang squabbles, the entire staff and students of
Federal Govt. Girls
Northwest was divided into bandits camps and each area/zone College, Yauri on 18 th Jun,
2021. The students are still
allocated to a particular leader. Niger and Kaduna states are Gide's in his custody.
2. Yellow Jan -Bros Birnin Gwari Forest and Kidnapping, Cattle rustling,
territory; under him are smaller camps with loyalty and allegiance Giwa Areas of Kaduna (GBSV) and village
State. raiding. He was re sponsible
to individual leaders. Katsina was controlled by late Auwalun for the kidnapping of 136
Daudawa and Dangotte Bazamfare, under them also are large Islamiyya Students in
Tagina village, Rafi LGA,
numbers of mini gang leaders. Sokoto state, particularly the Niger State on 30th May,
2021. The students were
eastern part, is under the jurisdiction of Turji, while there are freed on August, 25, 2021.
3. Tsoho Manjagara Giwa Local Government, Kidnapping, Cattle rustling,
numerous leaders in Zamfara state. The table below shows major Kaduna State. Gender Based and Sexual
Violence including assault,
leaders of armed groups and their areas of operations in the rape, forced prostitution,
gang rape was killed in an
Northwest. encounter with the Nigeria
Army, 18 th June, 2021 in
Yauri LGA, Kebbi State .
4. Alhaji Bodere and Ahaji Sabon Birni, Giwa LGA, Kidnapping, (GBSV)
Beleri Kaduna State armed robbery and forced
labour and wilful
destruction of crops.
5. Yellow Ashana Sabon Garin Gyadam, Kidnapping and (GBSV).
Kaduna State.
6. Ali Kawaje also called Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State Forced displacement of
Ali Kachalla and Kagara LGA, Niger communities or grazing
State reserves, mass killing ,
Kidnapping and GBSV . He
is associated to the Shekau
faction of Boko Haram.
Bello Turji 7. Alhaji Isiya, Buhari Kaduna-Abuja Highway, Killing, kidnapping, rape,
Leader of Shinkafi/Isa and Sabon Birnin LGAs Dan-karami of Zurmi LGA General and Gannaie Kaduna State. Forced marriage and GBSV
and forceful collection of
80. farming and grazing levies
AlhajiArdo Na- Shaware, 48 years, GidanKaso,... from the communities.
81.
One of their mediation sitting in Gidan Kaso, Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara State. The sitting 7. Alhaji Isiya, Buhari Kaduna-Abuja Highway, Killing, kidnapping, rape,
lasted for three (3) hours trying to mediate between Alhaji Auta of Birnin Magaji and his General and Gannaie Kaduna State. Forced marriage and GBSV
immediate neighbor Dan- Karami of Zurmi , who were both gang and forceful collection of
Leaders, the intervention made an impact by resolving a particular grievance that could have led farming and grazing levies
to violent confrontation. Considering the members, arms and influence on each of the group, if from the communities.
the situation was allow degenerating many lives would be loss.
23 24
 8. Alhaji Ado Aleru Yan -Kuzo in Chafe LGA Killing, Kidnapping, GBSV,
as well as some parts of forced labour, negotiation
Kastina and Zamfara states. with state officials in the
payment of ransom as well
as 'buying' of kidnapped
persons from other
kidnappers. Kastina State
Government declared him
wanted and fixed a price of
N5 million for whoever
knows his location, but
surprised he is still found in
Yan-Kuzo village attending
different functions and
ceremonies.

Alhaji Auta and his boys in Birnin Magaji

9. Lanke, Umar Bengo, Dan Rumfa village in Jibya
Kidnapping, killing, arm
Yahaya, Kabir, LGA smuggling and armed
robbery.
10. Auwalun Daudawa Safana, Dan -Musa and Cattle rustling, rape,
Batsari LGAs, Katsina kidnapping, attacks on
State. villages and vigilante
members. He was later
killed by his fellow bandits
in March, 2021 in Zamfara
State.
11. Dangotte Bazamfare Along Katsina and Zamfara Killing of innocent citizens,
borders. kidnapping, GBSV, attack
on villages, police and
military outpost as well as
child labour
12. Alhaji Auta, Ardo Na - Birnin Magaji LGA, Cattle rustling , forced
Shaware, Ardo Nashama Zamfara State labour, attack on rival
and Alhaji Shingi. bandits camps
13. Dankarami Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State Attack on police and
military outpost s,
kidnapping, rape, forced
labour and armed robbery.
He is widely known for his
anti-security agencies
sentiment.
14. Alhaji Shehu Rekep and Tsafe, Maru and Anka Kidnapping, GBSV, supply
Alhaji Halilu LGAs, Zamfara State. of arms and ammunitions to
the armed groups
responsible for the
recruitment and training of
foot soldiers to other
groups.
15. Manu D. O Birnin Gwari and Giwa Cattle Rustling and
Areas, Kaduna state. Kidnapping.
16. Saleh piya-piya Anchau, Kaduna State Armed robbery,
Kidnapping and cattle
rustling.
Kidnapping, cattle rustling
17. Bello Turji Shinkafi/Isa & Sabon Birnin Force Labour & Gender and
sexual base violence.
Compiled by the presenter from various field works in the zone
25 26
Source of Arms and Ammunition pastoralist and later engaged in the sales of electronics, before
One of the most puzzling questions that remain unanswered on coming back home to join the bandits in their den.85 In those places
rural insecurity is the sources of arms and ammunitions. Studies he learnt the rudiments of ICT. Thus, members of other less
have shown that there are over 60,000 weapons in circulation in powerful gangs often travel a long distance to see and if possible
82
the Northwest. After a tour to some of the Bandits' den, Sheikh take pictures beside the newly imported weapons. Therefore, the
Ahmad Gumi, a retired army officer and Islamic cleric in northern bandits could clearly tell which amongst the leaders is stronger,
Nigeria, provided an estimate of over 100,000 arms and because the power of a gang is measured by the level of its
83
ammunition in the hands of the bandit. 'There are more weapons sophisticated weapons.86 Discussion within most criminal circles
than cattle in Zamfara', said a bandit leader and owning a gun was is on how and where to get the latest weapons as well as on which
more profitable than herds of cattle. 84 The figures above could be recalcitrant gang or community to test it.
exaggerated, but the concern herein is not to debate on the validity As stated elsewhere, arms trade is also a means of generating
of the figures or otherwise, but to provide an analysis of the income to a cross section of the gangs. Significant percentage of
sources, dealers, retailers and even users of the weapons. their illicit income is spent illicitly, on drugs, women, betting,
Considering the large number and membership of the armed buying of latest phones and other ostentatious goods.87 A repentant
groups, one could not doubt the estimated quantity of arms. Thus, bandit stated that 'the business could make one a millionaire today
weapons like anti aircraft guns, rocket propelled grenade tubes, and a pauper tomorrow'. So much is also spent on either the
general purpose machine guns, AK47, AK49, G3 magazines purchase or renting of sophisticated arms used in operations. Most
amongst several others are found across different camps in the arguments on the source of weapons revolve around the 'porous
state. Some of the camps like that of Turji, Halilu and Shehu Rekep border thesis and the inability of the security to man the over 1,950
used drones and CCTV cameras for surveillance and intelligence official borders. There is absolute shortage of manpower and
gathering. In one of the camps visited in Birnin Magaji, there was a officers want to be posted to lucrative borders. The armed
local ICT expert stationed in charge of solar panels and monitoring smugglers mostly used these minor entries for the supply of arms
of the CCTV. Besides, providing power to the CTTV, members of into the country.
the gang used energy from the panel to charge their phones, lamps Moreover, the small numbers of officials at the border posts in
and other electrical appliances. Abdullahi Dandare, the local ICT some cases were accused of conniving and facilitating the
man had lived in Lagos, Oyo, Kogi and Benue states, first a movements of arms into the country. This could be part of the
82.
John Campbell, “Not all violent problems require violent solutions: Banditry in Nigeria's
reasons why the incumbent Controller-General of Nigeria
North-West, retrieved at https://www.cfr.org/blog/not-all-violent-problems-require-violent-
solutions-banditry-nigerias-north-west 11/26/2020. 85.
83. Abdullahi Dandare. 32 years, Kukiya village, Binin Magaji LGA, Zamfara state, August, 23, 2021.
Interview with Dr. Ahmad Gumi, in his residence in Kaduna, April, 20, 2021. 86.
84. Abdullahi Abubakar, AKA, Buratai, 27 years, 25 August, 2021, Damba area, Gusau, Zamfara
Abdullahi Abubakar Buratai, 27 years, interviewed at Sabon Gida, Zamfara state, August, 25,
state.
2021. 87.
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years, GidanKaso,...

27 28
Immigration Service issued an order in 2020 that 70% of his five years in banditry around Dan-Sadau area stated that 'I have
workforce should be deployed to the borders, which has yet to take wasted five years for nothing, had it been I knew I could have been
effect. Thus, the wider assumption is that arms supply in Zamfara a gunrunner earlier. 91There is more money, peace and pride to be
is majorly from the Nigeria- Niger borders located around in the arm supplying chain'.92 While some of the members argued
Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina axis. This is a plausible assumption that it is by far more lucrative to join the two businesses together,
as there are some border communities within these states with because it's of dual benefit'.93
substantial number of individual gunrunners, whose main role is Some of the leaders specialized in arms supply, training of bandits
to simply move arms across the borders.88 Some of these illicit as well as attacks on innocent people. Shehu rocket, Halilu in
traffickers are well-known in their communities, while others Sububu forests and Ali Kachalla of Dansadau were experts in this
remain unknown. Calamity could befall any community that regards.94 They have an independent supply chain and largely
expose these suppliers to security agencies. Since the Nigerian imported weapons beyond their needs. Shehu Rekep is connected
security operatives have complained of grossly inadequate to Malian, Chadian and Libyan rebels from where he gets most of
personnel in addition to proving incapable of defending the people his supplies.95 Together with his friend, Halilu has an absolute
from the rural war-lords, the best thing is to observe 'conspiracy of monopoly of arms supply in Zamfara state. Most of the bandits in
silence' for peace to reign in the villages. There is also the used of 96
the state get their arms from either of the two groups.
women and children as couriers of arms along the border. “It is
So far, the three gangs led by these leaders, are the most powerful
very difficult to get a woman arm courier, but if you have any they
and notorious in the state. The next groups that relied on them to
are the safest and easiest ways of cross-border arms movement.89
some extent for arms are Turji in Isa and Sabon Birni, Dankarami
Depending on the distance and terrain, an AK47 rifle is
of Zurmi and Gidan Jaja as well as Alhaji Auta of Birnin Magaji.
transported into a nearby village from the border at the rate of
One of the main challenges that affect effective arms trade
N20,000, while a bag containing 100 rounds of ammunition at the
amongst the bandits is the internal rivalry, which continues to
cost of N5,000. Thus, transporting the ammunition is much easier
widen the division amongst them.97 The smaller gangs are
due to its size and could be divided into different portions, what the
differently affiliated to the stronger gangs, for guidance,
locals called Geron Hajiya.90
supervision and supply of both arms and fighters, when
Moreover, the criminals, particularly the so-called 'repentant
91.
Interview with anonymous bandit in Zamfara state..
'criminals, have dislodged the multiple agents and became either 92.
Interview with anonymous bandit in Zamfara state
93.
importers or local transporters or arms. An informant that spent Interview with a repentant bandit leader, 32 years, 25 August, 2021
94.
Abdullahi Abubakar, AKA, Buratai, 27 years, 25 August, 2021, Damba area,
95.
Alhaji Sani Babbar Doka, 45 years, State Secretary, Yansakai, Zamfara state
96.
88. Abdullahi Abubakar, AKA, Buratai, 27 years, a repentant bandit from Dangulbi area, Zamfara
Interview with anonymous Immigration Officer at Border Post in Zamfara state, 18th state.
November, 2018 97.
89. M.A. Rufa'i 'Inter and Intra Bandit Gang Rivalry in Zamfara Region' Being a paper presented
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years, Gidan Kaso,... Fourth National Conference Organized by the Faculty of Arts and Islamic....
90.
Interview with anonymous bandit in Zamfara state, 40 years, 23, August, 2021

29 30
 around 2014.101 In 2018,
Boko Haram fighters from
the Northeast were sent by
the Shekau faction to
support bandits in the
Northwest. Eventually
they became integrated
with the bandits and
abandoned the course of
Aliyu Zakwai the Son of Lawali killed by Bandits Boko Haram. 1 0 2 The
Buharin Daji in 2019 reason is that banditry is
confronted by a superior rival gang or security operatives.98 not ideologically based
This cold relationship is what is partly flaming the fire of the
Dongon-Baro and Bello Atto of and gives freedom to
armed groups. For instance, there is no love lost between
Dangulbi Area individual fighters.
Moreover, there is what
Dankarami of Zurmi and Alhaji Auta. In any event of threat
against either of these groups, each would rather fight alone than may called bountiful wealth in banditry.103 Dogo Gide, later forged
seek support from the other gang, in spite, of the closeness and an alliance with Boko Haram in the last quarter of 2019. Thus,
proximity to each other. A 'repentant bandit' stated that the whole from his base in the forest of Wawa in Niger state, Gide was
banditry is becoming less interesting because of the engagement recruiting members for this group and ensuring the group has
104
and involvement of young boys who don't have a sense of maturity stronghold in Zamfara state. In the light of this, assistance is
99
in the nefarious acts. The young boys are so desperate and in often given to armed groups in Zamfara in form of fighters and
hurry to either wage an attack or become independent leaders. equipments. Alhaji Shehu Shingi from Zurmi, is the major Boko
105
That is why the older ones decided to maintain and dominate the Haram link with the bandits.
arms supply chain.100
101.
Most worrisome about the issue of banditry is that there were Alhaji Shehu Shingi, 43 years, Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara State, 22,
August, 2021
102.
attempts by Boko Haram, ISWAP and Ansaru to forge an alliance Alhaji Shehu Shingi, 43 years, Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA…, he mention names of
those fighters that came from Maiduguri in 2018. Alhaji Shingi has direct relations with Boko
with the bandits. Boko Haram for instance started the move Haram.
103.
Alhaji Shehu Shingi, 43 years, Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA…,
98. 104.
Ibid. Alhaji Sani Babbar Doka, 45 years, State Secretary, Yansakai, Zamfara state
99 105.
. Abdullahi Abubakar, AKA, Buratai, 27 years, a repentant bandit… Alhaji Shehu Shingi, 43 years, Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA…,
100.
Abduaziz Abdulaziz, interview with Shehu Rekep Daily Trust newspaper.

31 32
 112
Arm Renting and Prices ₦850,000. After, the year 2020, most of the groups began to use
Indeed it is a daunting exercise to establish the exact price of arms AK49, which at the moment cost about ₦1.2 million in the
used by the groups. This is because the end users have no direct forest.113 During this period the use of rocket launcher, RPGs and
access to the main area of supply, due to either lack of knowledge APGs became common amongst the dominant gangs.
or fear of interception by the security personnel. This added to the The conflict has in recent times made some gang leaders very rich
price of arms not only in Zamfara but affected states in the through the illicit business of arms and banditry. They often have
106
Northwest. The bandits have no option than to buy weapons at multiple profits from the arms, their usage and sale of cattle,
exorbitant prices. At the point of interviews, most of members of mostly stolen from the people which are exchanged for weapons.
the armed groups could hardly tell the price of weapons used.107 Bandit leaders have acquired large herds of cattle through this
This is largely quantified and valued by either cattle or full-grown illegal means and most of the herds are transported to the Middle
bull. Therefore, heads of cattle and an approximation of their age Belt and the southern part of the country. In some cases, the herds
are often used to determine the price of a gun in rural Zamfara.108 were moved to Niger Republic and beyond.
On the average, some gave out 2 to 3 heads of cattle for AK49 or It is important to stress that the Economic Community of West
their price equivalent. Some of the dealers and retailers collect African States (ECOWAS) free movements of persons and
cattle in return for arms. Those that accept cattle, mostly Fulani animals across the member states has also facilitated not only the
retailers have the chances of getting more customers and huge movement of arms but also rustled livestock across different
109
profit margins than who only exchanged for money. borders. Some of the gunrunners prefer to exchange guns for cattle
At any rate, if an ordinary non-bandit would acquire an AK47 at due to issues of security. Afterwards all the livestock collected
the rate ₦500,000 a bandit, particularly Fulani will get it at a could easily be moved across the Nigerian borders for either sale
higher price of ₦650,000 simply because of his desperation and or exchange for weapons. This is what according to repentant
illiteracy.110 The price of a German made AK47 before the border bandits keeps the business relevant and booming over time.114
closure in Zamfara ranged between ₦500,000- ₦600,000
111
depending on the suppliers. Igbo retailers seem to put higher
prices, but with the border closure in 2019 and increase in
exchange rate, the price increased to between ₦750,000 and
106.
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years, Kaura Namoda, 17 June, 2019
107.
Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with Bandits in Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara
State
108.
FGD in Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA…
109.
FGD in Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA… 112.
Anonymous Source, 53 years in Gusau, Zamfara state, 20th February, 2020
110.
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years, Kaura Namoda, 17 June, 2019 113.
FGD in Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA…
111.
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years..., 114.
FGD in Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA…

33 34
The procurement of these deadly weapons is not meant to fight the They mostly collect at night and return back in the morning after
Nigeria security but also instill fear in the minds and hearts of their accomplishing a mission. Some of them also subscribe to a
fellow cohorts. The power of a gang is largely determine by particular group not as active but passive members, who only
leadership and weapons. Therefore, amongst the armed groups, it participated in an attack and retire home after the mission. 121
do not make much sense to acquire and hire arms, but to as well Moreover, there are powerful gang leaders with monopoly control
engage in arm raise with others, so to scare your enemies away. of arms and its usage. In this case two categories exist in Zamfara.
The increasing number of gang members and the corresponding The first is the gang leader with large number of arms which he
115
demand for operations tools led to proliferation of gun retailers. gives out as trust to members.
122
With this, members are often
Most repentant bandits and even non-bandits that rents weapons to mobilise when the need arise. This leader could be sorrounded
young bandits. 116 There is fixed price to each category of gun. with very few members for protection, while the rest were loosely
Members could collect an Ak47 or Ak49 for daily use and return spread across different areas.123 The essence is not to attract so
back after a particular mission.117 The rented gun could be also much public and security attention, but still maintain large
used for days or even weeks, each has a price . With the use of followership. The second has an absolute monopoly control over
rented gun young bandits have over time acquire their personal the weapons. In this case, there are specific places where the
tools. 118 weapons are often kept, and put to use when the need arises.. This
An informant stated that he was renting at the initial stage but later category has a loose membership that spread across different
acquired his own personal gun and became a unit leader. The villages, ruga and even towns. in some cases, like in Birnin
problem of rented gun is that besides it out-datedness, most have Magaji, the leader may decide to stay along with his members but
been overused by either the renters or other users. Therefore, most no trace of arms or ammunition could be found with them, but
of the young boys started as foot soldiers under a particular leader every member knows where these arms or ammunition could be
or depended on the rented equipments. 119 found with them, but every member knows where these arms are
Furthermore, there are large number of youth who mostly lived in safely kept in the case of emergencies.124 The main differences
the pastoral settlements (Rugga) and villages that are ‘part-time between the two is that the former promoted high level of
bandits. The groups are more dangerous that the full-time gun uncoordinated attacks, while the later instill certain level of
carrying members, because they are the main guys that patronizes ‘discipline’ in the conduct of the crime. In actual sense, both are
these gun renters.
120 same and equal, because the intention is virtually the same.
121.
115.
Interview with a repentant bandit in Tudun Wada Gusau, 13th March, 2021. He said he was
Alhaji Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years..., not a gang member but a bandit that operate from his village in Dansadau area. Bello started his
116.
Alhaji ‘Ardo Na- Shaware, 48 years..., life as an informant later became a passive bandit.
117. 122.
Abdullahi Abubakar, AKA, Buratai, 27 years, a repentant bandit from Dangulbi..., This is like Alhaji Auta of Kukiya, he owns all the tools in his camp and determines what to
118.
Abdullahi Abubakar, AKA, Buratai, 27 years, a repentant bandit from Dangulbi..., do with it.
119. 123.
FGD in Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA... FGD in Kukiyavillage, Birnin Magaji LGA...
120. 124.
FGD in Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA... FGD in Kukiya

35 36
Gender Dimension Like any other member of the gang, women also received their
The involvement of teenage boys, girls and even married women own fair share in every successful attack, in cash and cattle as
in the conflict complicated further the situation further. As earlier proceeds or 'booties of war'.128 Also, bandits' wives keep and
stated, some of the attacks and kidnappings were carried out by the service the guns before or after operations. Suwaiba from
boys without the consent of their elders. Also, the young girls in Dangulbi area knows how to service and even use AK49, because
the midst of these delinquent boys offered different services in the her husband always left the gun in her possession when there was
perpetration of the crime. Besides providing intelligence, they as no impending attack.129 Quite a number of house wives who
well served as cooks and guards to the abductees either in the supported and accepted their husband's involvement in this
kidnapping den or ruga. It is important to note that it is not all the misdeed, have basic knowledge of arms usage and maintenance.
time that kidnapped persons are kept in the forests, in some It is also important to state that not all women accepted this act;
instances they are meant to stay in either the pastoral camp, ruga hence since their husbands have adopted this way of life, the
or houses built by the bandit leaders in the forest. Dankarami, weapons are normally kept elsewhere far away from home. In the
Halilu and Ahaji Shehu Shingi all have such houses designated for course of interview, some of the women claim ignorance of their
the abductees. In those areas young armed girls were in charge of spouse's nefarious behaviour while some of the women disclosed
125
looking after these victims. that their hands were given for marriage to the bandits directly.
Similarly, the girls also participate in attacks against either an
opposing gang or recalcitrant village. They are equally involved in
long distance attacks. The people of Sabon Birni and Isa in Sokoto
state, reported the presence of women in the midst of the attackers.
In some instances, girls lead the operations. During the attacks on
Garki, Dan-Aduwa, Kurzari and Katuma in Sabon Birni on 27th
May, 2020 girls who were suspected to be members of the gang
126
were spotted. Moreover, most affected villages in Zamfara
denied Fulani women access to their homes, on the apprehension
that they could be spying for the bandits. The people of Badarawa,
Kurya and Gidan Jaja lamented the role of such young and old
Fulani women selling milk and butter, as some of them are either
related to the bandits or employed as intelligence gatherers.
127
Abdullahi Buratai Repentant Bandit
125 th
Zainab Abdullahi, 19 years, wife of a bandits, Gusau, 25 August, 2021
126.
Rufa'I, M.A, (2021), 'Armed Groups and then Reprisal Attacks in Sabon Birni District of Sokoto 128.
Zainab Abdullahi, 19 years, wife of a bandits…
State': Lambar: Journal of the Military and Peace Studies,Vol. 2 No. 1. 129.
Suwaiba Usman, 22 year, wife of an ex-bandit, interviewed in Gusau, 20th March, 2021
127.
Sarkin Kudun Badarawa, Interview…
37 38
The essence is for protection and safety; the moment one gives his pseudo marabouts often ask them to rape virgin girls if they want a
daughter out to a bandit leader or any of his strong members, one's certain charm to work. The option is either to rape them at the
security and that of his livestock are guaranteed. There are cases scene or kidnapped for rape. The act of rape has a long history in
where parents will demand for the divorce of their daughter from a some areas of the state, according to an anonymous, District Head,
non-bandit so that she could be given to a notorious bandit. An (2016)
active bandit who is 22 years old stated that he has three (3) wives Banditry has also been associated with rape and
one he initially married in 2016, and two others offered to him by other related violence against women and children.
people in need of protection. Before banditry went out of hand in 2016, some
This explains why most of the bandits are polygamous, not village and district heads, recorded rape cases. As
because they are ready for it but due to the fact that there are many early as 2011, girls sent out to fetch firewood or cut
people willing to offer them young girls for marriage. A young grass in the nearby bush usually come back
repentant bandit of 22 years called Abdullahi alias Buratai has four howling as a result of either individual or gang rape
wives, mostly given to him by some rich pastoralists from his by unknown persons. In 2012 alone, over fifty (50)
village due to his notoriety and the level of power he exerted over cases were recorded in one district. The number is
his fellow cohorts. According to him 'considering his poor not exact, some affected parents often keep silent,
parental backgrounds nobody could think of given him wife in the to avoid social rejection against the victims. In
community, but his involvement in banditry has given him a 'new view of this, in October, 2012, women and girls
prestigious' position and status.' Some members of the gang join were banned from going to the bush alone for
for the simply reason of getting back their lost lovers. It is very whatever reason. 130
common in the rural Fulani setting to see two or more persons It is also important to stress that woman and children form part of
competing for a girl. In an event one lost out, he could join the the major victims of the conflict. There is an increasing number of
gang to kill the person that married the girl. this category of vulnerable group as widows and internally
These practices are commonly found in the remotest rural areas displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.
worst hit by the insecurity. Thus, not all attacks on villages are
meant to kill innocent people; some gangs around Dansadau,
Magamin Maitarko and Dangulbi areas organized attacks and
village raids to satisfy sexual urge. This is mostly done by gangs
with few members with specific target of their victims. The aim of
130.
Rufai, M.A, (2019) Rural Women and the Trauma of Banditry in Zamfara State a paper
this attack is mainly for the rape of young teenage girls. An presented at the First International Conference on Women and Gender History, on the theme:
interaction with a member of such gang, demonstrates that some Women, Gender and History in Northern Nigeria, 23-25,2019.

39 40
Conclusion
Armed bandits are becoming more sophisticated in strength,
tactics and connections. It is no longer doubted that the gangs have
trans-national networks with similar gangs across different parts
of the West African sub-region. This is demonstrated with the
contacts and connections with different terrorist organizations
within and outside the country. This year the bandits are
celebrating a decade (2011-2021) of unabated and irrational acts
of cattle rustling, maiming of innocent souls, kidnapping and
gender based violence. They have grounded the once prosperous
rural economy and subjected the masses to social penury. A lot of
energy, time and resources were invested by both state and non-
state actors in the fight against rural banditry. Unfortunately, the
more the efforts, the stronger and deadlier they become, due to the
involvement of multiple 'invisible factors and actors' benefiting
from the conflict. Interestingly, Nigerian security agencies are
now addressing these rural terrors 'in the best language they
understand'. The new approach to rural insecurity if maintained
and sustained will crush the ranks of these bandits. Already, some
of the bandits have started succumbing to military pressure, some
of the gangs pleading and calling for negotiation. Reports coming
from the field demonstrated that most bandits are abandoning their
motorbikes due to the policy of shutting-down all filling stations
around the bandits' zones. This policy alone is enough to end rural
insecurity in the region, because no attack could be carried out
Gang of Two (Buratai & Bello)
without logistics and fuel is critical to the running of these
motorbikes.

41 42
 Young Wing of Birnin Magaji Bandits

43

Group Photograph of Some Bandits in Birnin Magaji

44
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53 54
Interviews Nigeria, (VGN) Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State
Sani Babbar Doka, 45 years, State Secretary, Yansakai, Zamfara
Buharin Daji on 25th December, 2016 in Government House,
state
Gusau Zamfara State
Shehu Shingi, 43 years, Kukiya village, Birnin Magaji LGA
Dr. Ahmad Gumi, in his residence in Kaduna, April, 20, 2021.
Abduaziz Abdulaziz, interview with Shehu Rekep Daily Trust Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with Bandits in Kukiya village,
newspaper. Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara State.
Abdullahi Abubakar Buratai, 27 years, interviewed at Sabon Friday. 11, October, 2019
Gida, Zamfara state, August, 25, 2021. Interview with Sarkin Kudun Badarawa, 35 year, Badarawa
Abdullahi Dandare. 32 years, Kukiya village, Binin Magaji village, September, 7, 2016
LGA, Zamfara state, August, 23, 2021. Isah Abubakar Maniya, Oral interview in Maniya village,
Abubakar Abdullahi Buratai, 25 years, repentant bandit, Tudun Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara state., September, 15, 2014
Wada Gusau, 12, Feburary, 2021. Muhammad Bello, 48 years, Chairman MACBAN, Shinkafi
Abubakar Maradun, Oral Interview, 68 year, retired range LGA, Zamfara State, August, 20, 2016.
manager, Zamfara state, 15, March, 2021. Musa Umar, Maru town Oral Interview, 2, March, 2014.
th
Ardo Na- Shaware, 45 years, GidanKaso, Birnin Magaji, 7 Tukur Abubakar Jangebe, Aged 56 , Chairman, Miyetti Allah
April, 2021 Cattle Breeders Association, (MACBAN) Zamfara State,
Bello Abubakar, 68 years, Birnin Ruwa Gusau, 19 September, Interview Conducted at the State Government House Gusau,
2016. 13th. August/ 2014.
Nusa Abdullahi, 50 years, Member of the MVG, Shinkafi Town,
Bello Danrani Bakura, Oral Interview at lambar Bakura, 15th th
August, 2016 18 September, 2016

Buba Sani, 53 years Interview in Badarawa village, June, 2017.

Muhammad Tukur Jabaka, 56 years, Interview , 17 February,
2018
Ardo Nashama, armed bandits, 38 years, Gidan Kaso area,
Birnin Magaji, LGA, Zamfara state, 22 August, 2021.
Bello Maidawa, 55 years Member of the VGN, Shinkafi town,
18th September, 2016
Bello Anka, Anka town, farmer and trader, 48 years, 25 August,
20121
Bello Musa Zurmi, 46 year Commandant Vigilante Group of

55 56
Appendix: 37. Bulak Gabascin Ceɓi 520
38. Janburos Gabascin Madada 800
Table 2: List of Some Major Bandit leaders in Zamfara state 39. SaniBica Gabascin Madaka 180
Maradun LGA 40. Ɗanbagobiri Yamma ga Ceɓi 235
S/N Leader Location Members 41. Nagala Yamma ga Mairairai 750
1. Sama’ila Bayan Dutsi 150 42. Ali ƙanen Nagala Gabasga Mairairai 220
2. JimmoFadama Bayan Ruwa 80 43. Zahiru Tsakanin Gandaya da Mairairai 175
3. Simoli Jaya Bayan Ruwa 65 44. Maigariyo Kudu ga Burwaye 56
4. Sahabi Bayan Ruwa 250 45. Yalo Close to Burwaye 85
5. Na’akka Bayan Ruwa 180 Zurmi Local Government
6. Aminu Jajani Bayan Ruwa 120
7. Sani Ba-ruwanka Dagwarwa 135 46. Kachalla North of Mayasa 1200
8. UbanKafirai Dagwarwa 250 47. Maidaji North of Labunde 1500
9. Maibokolo Dajin‘YarTunniya 300 48 Ɗanƙarami Tsanu 750
10. HarunaZango Dammaka 280 49. Turji Fakai 2500
11. Muntari Dudduɓi 310 Birnin Magaji Local Governments
12. Ɓoyi Dudduɗi 210 50. Alhaji Zaki Rugu 85
13. Turji Fakai 500 51. Yalo Rugu 60
14. Nakyalla Filinga 213 52. Hassan Rugu 28
15. Najana GidanBisa 96 53. Maidaji Rugu 40
16. Sitanda Gwari 156 54. Kachalla Rugu 58
17. Dullu Sububu 138 55. Shinkafi LGA
18. Halilu Sububu 1,200 56. Atarwatse Dajin Mashema 200
19. Maiduna Tankyalla 216 57. Ɗanmaƙwado Kamarawa and Bafarawa 550
20. Gwaska Tungar Kolo 76 58. Nagona Between Bafarawa zuwaSurduƙu 200
21. Kabiru ‘Yankusa Safrar Kaɗe 185 Tsafe Local Government
22. Ƙaramin Gaye Tungar Miya 242 59. Idi Guga 100
23. Ɗansa’adiya Tsakanin Dagwarwa da Badako 48 60. Baba Yayi Guga 100
24. Ɗanshehu Kudo 140 61. Juuli Kwankwanba 100
25. Mati Kudo 165 62. Tukur Munahaye 90
26. Ɗanbello Kudo 98
Ɗansadau Emirate
Source: The above table is drawn from different communities
27. Ɗanmakaranta Arewaga Madaka 460
close to the various camps. Also members of the vigilant groups
28. Dogo Gyaɗe Dajin Babar Doka 2000 and yan-sakai from the areas were contacted in the generating the
29. Damana Dajin Ceɓi 1500 lists. Victims of kidnapping and young boys who offer different
30. Ali Kacanla Madada 1600
31. Malam Yammacin Ce ɓi 900
services to the bandits also provided information about the
32. Bulaki Gabas ga‘Yargaladima 1200 operations, membership strength and nature of diverse cells in
33. Ciyaman Gabas ga ‘Yargaladima 900 their localities. Even with that the figures are not exact, rather
34. Dahe Gabasga ‘Yargaladima 257
mere approximation. The list of leaders could be correct while
35. Kawu Gabas ga Ɗansadau 723
36. Ado Lalo GabasgaƊansadau 350
their foot soldiers mostly roamed from one camp to another.
57 58