Blood in the Bush: 30 Bandits Killed, 16 Motorcycles Seized in Daring Zamfara Vigilante Ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

In a dramatic show of resistance and local bravery, no fewer than 30 armed bandits loyal to the notorious kingpin, Dan Rani, met their end in a blistering ambush by local vigilante operatives—popularly known as Yansakai—near Dansadau town in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to intelligence sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, the incident unfolded on the afternoon of April 4, 2025, around 2:00 p.m., when the heavily armed bandits were reportedly en route to launch a violent attack on a nearby village. Acting on a tip-off, the Yansakai operatives strategically positioned themselves on the outskirts of the town and launched a surprise offensive that turned into a deadly gunfight.

The vigilante group, well-acquainted with the terrain and emboldened by recent escalations in local banditry, overpowered the assailants in a fierce confrontation that left scores of the criminals lifeless. Sixteen motorcycles, which the bandits had used for mobility and attacks, were recovered at the scene—further crippling their movement and operational capability.

“This is a major victory for the local defense initiative,” said one source close to the operation. “The terrain was tough, but the element of surprise worked in our favour.”

Meanwhile, in a sorrowful turn of events, security personnel recovered the corpse of a missing Community Protection Guard (CPG) member earlier that same morning around 6:00 a.m. The guard, identified as Ashiru Dawa, had been abducted by suspected bandits in an earlier raid. His decomposing remains were discovered in a bush near the Gidan Kano axis.

His body was evacuated to a local hospital, where an autopsy was conducted before it was released to his family for burial in line with Islamic traditions.

The latest developments underscore both the relentless threat posed by bandit gangs in Zamfara and the growing resilience of local defense groups who have taken up arms in a desperate bid to protect their communities. As the bloodshed continues, calls for enhanced synergy between state security forces and grassroots vigilante networks grow louder.