Fear Grips Shanono as 150 Armed Bandits Invade Kano Communities, Kill Residents and Steal Livestock
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Residents of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State are gripped by fear and despair after a deadly invasion by armed bandits who stormed the area two days ago on about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons — an estimated 150 heavily armed attackers.
According to findings by Akahi News, the assailants are believed to have crossed into Kano from neighbouring Katsina State. The attackers reportedly unleashed terror, killing several residents, carting away livestock, and looting farming equipment, leaving the once-peaceful communities in a state of panic and mourning.
Border Communities Under Siege
Communities along the Katsina–Kano border — including Faruruwa, Kuraku, Goron-Dutse, Tsaure, and Yan-Shado — have reportedly suffered repeated attacks in recent weeks. Residents told Akahi News that the gunmen often infiltrate their villages through bush paths at night, looting, kidnapping, and destroying property with little or no resistance from security operatives.
A local farmer who spoke to Akahi News under anonymity said:
“We hardly sleep anymore. These bandits enter at any time, and before we know it, they’ve taken our cows, burnt our machines, and kidnapped our neighbours. Many people have run away from the farms because it’s too risky.”
The wave of attacks has crippled farming and local business activities in the area. Many residents have fled their homes to seek safety in neighbouring towns and local government areas.
“We Are Helpless,” Locals Cry Out
The Chairman of the Faruruwa and Neighbourhood Security Committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, told journalists that the situation has become unbearable. He explained that the few security operatives stationed in the area are overwhelmed by the scale and frequency of the attacks.
Bagobiri, while speaking to Akahi News, said:
“We have been facing serious security challenges since 2022. Bandits from Katsina and other neighbouring states invade our communities almost daily. We are calling on the government to come to our aid urgently.”
He revealed that hundreds of residents have been displaced, and more than 1,600 cows, numerous motorcycles, and farming machines have been stolen in recent months.
“Just two days ago, they invaded our area with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons — roughly 150 attackers. They killed people and stole livestock,” Bagobiri recounted.
He further lamented that the Joint Task Force (JTF) assigned to the area has fewer than 15 personnel covering the entire volatile border region — a situation he described as “grossly inadequate.”
Community Leaders Appeal to Tinubu and Governor Yusuf
Residents are now appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to urgently bolster the security presence in Shanono and other border communities to prevent further loss of life and property.
Bagobiri, speaking with frustration, told Akahi News:
“How can 10 or 15 security operatives confront over 150 armed men? We feel abandoned. Even when police or army commanders visit to assess the situation, nothing changes afterward. These criminals still return.”
He also disclosed that victims have been forced to pay huge sums as ransom to secure the release of their abducted relatives.
“One of our residents, Alhaji Haruna Gatali, paid ₦15 million to free his wife from the kidnappers. This is becoming unbearable,” Bagobiri lamented.
Insecurity Threatens Rural Economy
Akahi News gathered that the continuous attacks are threatening the rural economy in Shanono and neighbouring areas. Most farmers, who form the backbone of local food production, have abandoned their farmlands due to fear of being attacked or kidnapped.
A community elder in Kuraku told Akahi News that even simple daily activities such as fetching water or attending market days have become dangerous. He said the security situation has pushed many into poverty and despair.
“We can no longer go to the market or the mosque without fear. The government must act now before our villages are wiped out,” he pleaded.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
The people of Shanono and its surrounding communities are demanding swift action from the federal and state authorities to reinforce security, establish local vigilance groups, and increase intelligence operations along the border with Katsina.
Security analysts who spoke with Akahi News believe that coordinated efforts between the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, and community leaders are urgently required to stem the tide of rural banditry in Kano’s border regions.
The residents are hopeful that their cry will not go unheard, and that proactive measures will be taken before the situation escalates further.
Akahi News will continue to monitor the developing situation and provide verified updates as new information emerges.
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