Bandit Leaders Enforce ‘Peace’ in Zamfara Villages Amidst Ongoing Crisis

Peace is slowly returning to some bandit-controlled villages in Zamfara State as notorious gang leaders have brokered ceasefire deals with local communities. Four prominent bandit kingpins—Ado Alero, Bello Turji, Dankarami, and Dogo Gide—are reportedly enforcing these agreements across different zones of the state.

According to reports, these leaders, who have long terrorized the region, are now exercising control over more than 100 villages. In these areas, the bandit chiefs have declared themselves as de facto rulers, imposing their own laws and regulating the lives of the villagers.

While some communities are experiencing a semblance of peace, others remain under oppressive conditions. In certain areas, residents still suffer under harsh taxation and forced labor imposed by rival bandit groups.

Residents of villages in Tsafe and Maru local government areas, including those under the control of Ado Alero and Dogo Gide, report living in relative peace. In these regions, bandits and locals reportedly coexist, with bandit leaders even allowing farming activities to resume after years of disruption.

Dogo Gide, who controls the Dansadau area, has reportedly ordered his followers not to harm any local farmers, leading to the cultivation of previously abandoned farmlands. Alhaji Ibrahim Dansadau, a local resident, confirmed that villagers now freely farm their lands without fear of attack.

Similarly, in Tsafe local government area, residents credit Ado Alero, a local bandit leader, with maintaining peace. Alero has allegedly directed his men to protect villagers from external threats, a move that has fostered a fragile coexistence.

However, not all communities are as fortunate. In 11 villages across Zurmi, Gusau, Maru, Maradun, and Tsafe local government areas, residents continue to suffer severe exploitation. Villagers in these areas are forced to pay levies amounting to over N200 million to bandit groups before being allowed to farm. They also report being coerced into working on bandit-controlled farms without payment.

In some of the most affected areas, such as Gebawa in Gusau, the situation remains dire. Residents accuse bandit leader Isah Na Shamuwa of perpetrating widespread abuses, including sexual violence and forced labor.

Local government officials and security agencies claim to be making efforts to restore peace, but challenges remain. The state police command reports a reduction in banditry incidents in some areas but acknowledges that the threat persists in others.

The roots of the crisis in Zamfara trace back to 2009, when rising tensions between the Hausa and Fulani communities escalated into violence. Over the years, these conflicts have evolved into widespread banditry, leaving many villages in the state under the control of armed groups.