North-west Nigeria Faces Surge in Violence Amid Eid al-Fitr Celebrations, Security Expert Warns

A security expert, Bakatsine, has raised concerns over escalating insecurity in north-west Nigeria during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
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‎In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Bakatsine highlighted multiple deadly attacks across several states.
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‎According to Bakatsine, a joint operation by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), and local vigilantes in Zamfara State’s Shinkafi LGA, Fakai Forest, resulted in the ambush of notorious bandit Bello Turji’s camp. Several bandits were killed, others injured, and rifles and armor recovered, marking a rare offensive against armed groups in the region.
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‎However, bandits also targeted civilians in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kano states. In Sokoto, they blocked the Sokoto-Zamfara highway, killing one civilian and abducting several travelers.
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‎In Kebbi State’s Bagudu LGA, Lakurawa killed five civilians and injured one. In Kano State’s Kibiya LGA, bandits abducted Local Government Secretary, Hon. Hamza Musa Durba, from his home, with no additional casualties reported.
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‎Meanwhile, in Katsina State, localized gang conflicts in Katsina LGA’s Kofar Kaura area left a thug dead, followed by a retaliatory attack that claimed the life of popular musician Abu Amshi.
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‎Bakatsine noted that these incidents demonstrate the persistent insecurity plaguing north-west Nigeria, with communities remaining under siege from armed groups even during major celebrations like Eid al-Fitr.