Armed bandits have abducted the traditional ruler of Yankuzo, Alhaji Babangida Kogo, in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, sparking renewed fears of insecurity in the region.

The abduction occurred on Tuesday evening, August 5, just hours after a devastating Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike killed scores of bandits in a forest enclave between Yankuzo and Munhaye.

According to reports, the monarch was intercepted by heavily armed men while attempting to flee his community along the Mararraba axis. Fearing reprisal attacks following the military air raid, Alhaji Kogo had left his village, but was captured by over ten gunmen riding motorcycles near the abandoned farm of the late Alhaji Malami Yandoto. His entourage was left behind.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that the attackers were a large group of armed men, believed to be linked to surviving members of the militant groups targeted earlier in the day by NAF jets.

The airstrike, conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, followed credible intelligence and aerial surveillance indicating a large convergence of armed bandits — reportedly for a celebratory event. Over 100 militants had gathered at the site, many of them loyal to notorious kingpins operating in the Tsafe–Zurmi axis. Some had reportedly crossed in from neighboring Katsina and Sokoto states.

"The impact was massive — charred bodies and destroyed motorcycles littered the forest after the strike," a security source told reporters.

In the wake of the airstrike, panic spread throughout nearby villages, prompting mass movement of residents seeking safety from anticipated reprisal attacks. “We knew they would strike back. That’s why our district head was leaving. Unfortunately, he ran into them before reaching safety,” said a resident of Yankuzo, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns.

Local vigilante sources have confirmed that search efforts are ongoing to locate the abducted traditional ruler. Military ground forces have also been deployed to reinforce security in the area and prevent further attacks.

The latest incident underscores the growing desperation and volatility among bandit groups facing mounting pressure from sustained military operations across Zamfara and the wider North West region.