Northwest Nigeria state imposes lockdown over bandit attacks

The northwest Nigerian state of Zamfara has imposed a local lockdown and closed some markets and highways amid restrictions to contain renewed attacks by bandit militias after the breakdown of a peace deal, officials said.

Northwest and central states are struggling to halt violence from criminal gangs who raid villages, loot and kidnap for ransom, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes and farms in recent years.

Zamfara's decision underscored the complex security challenges facing Africa's most populous state as the country prepares for February elections to chose a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Zamfara, one of the worst hit by the bandit violence, had enjoyed a lull in attacks following peace deal with the gunmen, including with powerful warlord Bello Turji.

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But villages in the agrarian state have seen resurgence of raids in recent weeks following a military bombardment of Turji's house during a naming ceremony for his new child, which killed a dozen people, including his elder brother.

Turji, a 28-year old herder-turned-bandit chief, was not at home during the raid. But he later told local media he was ready for both peace and war, a veiled threat to resume violence.

"Government is saddened and worried about the resurgence of the activities of bandits and the recent killings," Ibrahim Dosara, Zamfara state information commissioner said in the statement on Thursday.

Following these attacks the state governor Bello Matawalle approved the "total shutdown of Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi Local Government Areas," as well as nine nearby villages, the statement said.

Last week bandits carried out three separate attacks on Nigerian troops in Zamfara, including an ambush that killed three soldiers as well as a raid on a base.

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"All movements are henceforth restricted in the afore-mentioned local governments and towns," the statement said.

"Security personnel have been directed to deal ruthlessly with anybody found violating the restriction order."

Two weekly markets in the towns of Danjibga and Bagega were shut indefinitely as well as seven major highways across the state.

Other restrictions include a ban on political rallies, gatherings and meetings in the open air and at homes of politicians as parties begin campaigning for the February 25 election.

Zamfara has tried several peace deals, offering bandits amnesty and cash incentives but none of the truces has lasted.

Military raids as well a telecom shutdown to cut communications between bandits and the closure of petrol stations and markets aimed at curtailing supplies to the gangs have also failed to end the violence.

Bandits, who were declared terrorists by the Nigerian authorities in January, are motivated by financial gains but there are concerns among officials and analysts about their growing ties with jihadists waging a 13-year insurgency in Nigeria's northeast.

Source: AFP