A recent SaharaReporters investigation has exposed a sophisticated network of armed bandits linked to terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cattle rustling. The group, originating from the Republic of Niger and Nigeria’s North-West, infiltrated forests in Kwara and Niger states, establishing fortified hideouts that serve as operational hubs for violent crimes across multiple regions.

Intelligence gathered by security agencies identified the primary settlement in Gbubu Forest, Lafiagi Local Government Area of Kwara State. From these bases, the bandits orchestrated attacks targeting schools, business owners, expatriates, and affluent individuals, terrorizing Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, and Niger States. The forests also functioned as effective escape routes, enabling rapid strikes and retreats.

In response, joint military and police operations intensified against the forest camps, applying significant pressure on the criminal network. The bandits attempted to flee Gbubu Forest into neighboring Niger State, but timely intelligence enabled authorities to intercept them.

Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) apprehended seven suspects, including Dahiru Adams, Adamu Mohammad (aka Baushe or Dogo), Abdullahi Abubakar (aka Bature), Abubakar Abdullahi (aka Turke), Mohammadu Lawai (aka Jalil), Zubairu Abubakar, and Shaibu Usman. All were found residing in Gbubu Forest at the time of their arrest.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to affiliations with multiple armed bandit groups operating across Kwara and Niger states. They admitted involvement in kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, extortion, cattle rustling, and violent raids, executed from their forest bases using cross-border routes and local collaborators for logistics and intelligence.

The inclusion of suspects from the Republic of Niger highlights challenges posed by Nigeria’s porous borders. Security analysts warn that without sustained intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation, forest corridors connecting Nigeria’s North-West to North-Central regions will continue to harbor criminal networks. Authorities confirm ongoing investigations, with expectations of additional arrests and uncovering more camps, financiers, and collaborators linked to the apprehended suspects.