The Makakari–Bagega forest corridor spanning Zamfara and Kebbi states has been described as one of Nigeria’s largest terrorist sanctuaries, with links to bandit leaders and major school kidnappings.
Security expert Bakatsine stated this on X, saying the forest belt covers settlements including Makakari, Kirsa, Barambo, Galadi, Gargam, Tubuki, Tunga Mata, Koli, Tangaram, Jarkuka, Saminaka, Tashar Birai, Dareta, and Tadirga.
According to the post, the axis has been linked to notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu and served as a holding location for abducted students, including the Jangebe schoolgirls kidnapped in Zamfara in 2021 and Kebbi schoolgirls abducted months ago.
Bakatsine said the forest has also become a refuge for criminal groups fleeing military operations in other parts of the country. The Nigerian Army recently rescued dozens of captives from the area, many of them from Kebbi State, the post added.
The security expert called on the Federal Government and security agencies to make dismantling terrorist camps in the Makakari–Bagega axis a top national security priority, saying neutralizing the strongholds would deal a significant blow to banditry in Northwestern Nigeria.
