A suspected bandit leader operating in Nigeria’s North-West region has reportedly claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in affected communities while indicating a willingness to participate in peace discussions aimed at ending the violence.
According to reports, the individual acknowledged involvement in several criminal activities carried out by armed groups in parts of the region. He, however, stated that there may be an opportunity for dialogue if authorities demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing underlying issues contributing to insecurity.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by federal and state governments, security agencies, and community leaders to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes that have affected residents across several northern states.
In recent years, thousands of people have been displaced, while communities have suffered loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruptions to economic activities due to persistent attacks by armed groups.
Security experts have expressed mixed reactions to the possibility of negotiations. While some believe dialogue could contribute to reducing violence and encouraging the surrender of armed groups, others argue that any engagement must be carefully managed to ensure justice, accountability, and long-term security.
Government officials have consistently maintained that security operations against criminal groups will continue, even as efforts are made to explore strategies that can bring lasting peace to affected areas.
Residents of communities impacted by banditry have welcomed any initiative capable of restoring safety and stability, although many have called for concrete actions rather than promises.
Analysts say the latest statement from the suspected bandit leader could influence ongoing discussions about the best approach to addressing insecurity in the region. However, they stress that any peace process would require broad stakeholder involvement and firm guarantees to protect affected communities.
As authorities continue to evaluate the situation, security agencies remain engaged in operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across the region.
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Ondo ‘monkey tail’ tragedy: Seven victims suffered total, partial blindness – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that seven people have suffered from total or partial blindness after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Ondo State. Our correspondent in Ondo state reports that the tragedy followed an outbreak of suspected methanol poisoning tied to a locally brewed herbal alcoholic drink popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas of the state. NAFDAC, in an update on the incident by its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the outbreak was initially reported in early September following cases of sudden illness and deaths among people who reportedly consumed the suspected products. The Agency says preliminary laboratory analysis has detected high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people. It confirmed that 182 cases had […]
FG suspends NSCDC commandant over deaths of 30 illegal miners, begins investigation
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the removal of the Niger State Commandant of the corps over the deaths of 30 illegal miners in the custody of the State Command. He has also directed a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody. The heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation have also been invited for thorough investigation. Over 30 arrested illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command reportedly died mysteriously. Assistant Commandant of Corps, Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, in a statement on Friday morning, said the order followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo. Afolabi added that the CG had directed a new Commandant to proceed […]
State Assemblies receive State Police Bill for concurrence
A major step in the move to establish state police was taken yesterday with the National Assembly transmitting the Constitution Alteration Bill to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence. The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Not less than 24 states are required for the concurrence.The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the executive bill seeking to alter the Constitution to allow for state police before embarking on their vacation. Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, said in a statement that although there is no fixed constitutional period for the state Assemblies to conclude work […]
Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs dies at 84
Veteran Nigerian actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. The family said the celebrated actor, whom they described as the “Lion of Lufodo”, died on 16 September. “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle, The Lion of Lufodo. According to a family source, the deceased was born on 11/7/1942 and died early morning of 16/09/2026. The family also appealed for privacy as they mourn. “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.” Jacobs celebrated his 84th birthday on 11 July. He was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film. Jacobs was also a film executive […]
Hungry Nigerians scramble for bread, rice from APC campaign bus in Abuja
Some hungry Nigerians were seen chasing an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign bus in Abuja as bread and packs of rice were distributed to residents ahead of the 2027 elections. In a viral video cited by Ayemafuge, several people were seen running after a moving van, struggling to collect the food items being thrown or handed out from the vehicle. The hungry Nigerians, including youths and adults, moved rapidly alongside the vehicle as it drove through the area, with some stretching their hands towards the van in an attempt to collect the packs of rice and bread. The footage showed the scramble for the food items as the moving vehicle continued along the road, with residents following it for an opportunity to receive the distributed provisions. The incident comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity, rising living costs and worsening […]
Obi directs UNN to release his academic records, says I’m not afraid of public scrutiny
Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC) presidential candidate, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) to release his academic records following reports of a legal action seeking Certified True Copies(CTCs) of his university certificates and other admission records. In a statement on X(formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Obi said he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said was awarded by the university in 1984, as well as other academic records relating to his admission and studies at the institution. Obi’s directive followed reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking CTCs of his degree certificate and other academic credentials. “I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” the NDC presidential candidate said. He called […]
Related
Ondo ‘monkey tail’ tragedy: Seven victims suffered total, partial blindness – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that seven people have suffered from total or partial blindness after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Ondo State. Our correspondent in Ondo state reports that the tragedy followed an outbreak of suspected methanol poisoning tied to a locally brewed herbal alcoholic drink popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas of the state. NAFDAC, in an update on the incident by its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the outbreak was initially reported in early September following cases of sudden illness and deaths among people who reportedly consumed the suspected products. The Agency says preliminary laboratory analysis has detected high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people. It confirmed that 182 cases had […]
FG suspends NSCDC commandant over deaths of 30 illegal miners, begins investigation
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the removal of the Niger State Commandant of the corps over the deaths of 30 illegal miners in the custody of the State Command. He has also directed a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody. The heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation have also been invited for thorough investigation. Over 30 arrested illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command reportedly died mysteriously. Assistant Commandant of Corps, Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, in a statement on Friday morning, said the order followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo. Afolabi added that the CG had directed a new Commandant to proceed […]
State Assemblies receive State Police Bill for concurrence
A major step in the move to establish state police was taken yesterday with the National Assembly transmitting the Constitution Alteration Bill to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence. The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Not less than 24 states are required for the concurrence.The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the executive bill seeking to alter the Constitution to allow for state police before embarking on their vacation. Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, said in a statement that although there is no fixed constitutional period for the state Assemblies to conclude work […]
Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs dies at 84
Veteran Nigerian actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. The family said the celebrated actor, whom they described as the “Lion of Lufodo”, died on 16 September. “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle, The Lion of Lufodo. According to a family source, the deceased was born on 11/7/1942 and died early morning of 16/09/2026. The family also appealed for privacy as they mourn. “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.” Jacobs celebrated his 84th birthday on 11 July. He was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film. Jacobs was also a film executive […]
Hungry Nigerians scramble for bread, rice from APC campaign bus in Abuja
Some hungry Nigerians were seen chasing an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign bus in Abuja as bread and packs of rice were distributed to residents ahead of the 2027 elections. In a viral video cited by Ayemafuge, several people were seen running after a moving van, struggling to collect the food items being thrown or handed out from the vehicle. The hungry Nigerians, including youths and adults, moved rapidly alongside the vehicle as it drove through the area, with some stretching their hands towards the van in an attempt to collect the packs of rice and bread. The footage showed the scramble for the food items as the moving vehicle continued along the road, with residents following it for an opportunity to receive the distributed provisions. The incident comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity, rising living costs and worsening […]
Obi directs UNN to release his academic records, says I’m not afraid of public scrutiny
Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC) presidential candidate, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) to release his academic records following reports of a legal action seeking Certified True Copies(CTCs) of his university certificates and other admission records. In a statement on X(formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Obi said he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said was awarded by the university in 1984, as well as other academic records relating to his admission and studies at the institution. Obi’s directive followed reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking CTCs of his degree certificate and other academic credentials. “I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” the NDC presidential candidate said. He called […]
Be the first to leave a comment