By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Fresh Northwest Nigeria bandit attacks have left over 100 people dead in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states in February 2026, as security experts and stakeholders debate solutions to the worsening violence. The attacks, carried out by armed groups including Lakurawa terrorists, targeted rural communities, rustled livestock and displaced residents, prompting renewed calls for state policing and offensive military action.
Killings Not a Resurgence – Hamzat
The Executive Director of the Foundation for Peace Professionals, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, rejected claims that the killings signal a resurgence.
He described the violence as a continuation of Nigeria’s long-standing security crisis.
According to him, the nation’s security structure remains reactive instead of preventive.
“I do not think it is a resurgence; it is just the continuation of existing insecurity,” he said.
Hamzat argued that federal security forces remain overstretched across Nigeria’s vast territory. As a result, troops often move from one crisis to another.
Consequently, areas regain instability once soldiers withdraw.
“Our security approach responds to incidents after they happen,” he added.
Call for State and Local Police
Hamzat insisted that decentralising the police has become essential for national survival.
He stressed that state and local police can provide grassroots intelligence and sustained presence.
According to him, local security forces understand the terrain and community networks better.
Without such reforms, he warned, killings in Kebbi and Zamfara will persist.
Therefore, he urged policymakers to prioritise police decentralisation immediately.
Security Expert Urges Offensive Strategy
Similarly, security analyst Akin Adeyi called for aggressive military action against bandits.
He criticised the government for failing to anticipate the aftermath of the December 25, 2025 US strike on bandit enclaves.
Adeyi said the strike forced armed groups to scatter into previously peaceful communities.
“It is terrible that we were not prepared,” he said.
He urged authorities to deploy civil defence, mobile police and paramilitary units strategically.
According to him, security forces must launch preemptive strikes whenever intelligence emerges.
“They should not wait for attacks before acting,” he stated.
Fresh Attacks Across Northwest States
Meanwhile, violence continues across the region.
In Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State, Lakurawa terrorists attacked Maganho community on February 13, 2026. The gunmen killed five residents and rustled livestock.
In Katsina State, bandits killed 21 residents in Doma town, Faskari LGA on February 3. The attack ended a six-month non-aggression pact.
On Wednesday, Lakurawa terrorists invaded Bui District in Arewa LGA of Kebbi State. Reports put the death toll between 33 and 50.
A lawmaker, Hamisu Faru, told Reuters that attackers stormed the village from 5pm until 3:30am. They burned buildings and shot fleeing residents.
A resident, Abdullahi Sani, confirmed that three of his family members died.
“No one slept yesterday, we are all in pain,” he said.
Residents reportedly alerted security forces after spotting over 150 motorcycles. However, they received no immediate support.
Zamfara Community Mourns
In Zamfara State, bandits reportedly killed at least 50 residents of Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka LGA.
The attackers blocked access roads and opened fire on villagers.
The assault occurred a day after the Zamfara State Government donated Armoured Personnel Carriers and a drone to security agencies.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, received the equipment and urged troops to act decisively.
He directed soldiers to neutralise bandits who refuse to surrender.
Despite sustained military operations, Zamfara remains one of the worst-hit states in the Northwest.
Mounting Pressure on Government
Security stakeholders now demand structural reforms and proactive operations.
Experts argue that without localised policing and stronger intelligence, attacks will continue.
As communities bury their dead, pressure grows on authorities to restore lasting peace across Northwest Nigeria.
