Zamfara State has been the epicentre of violence which is evident in the spate of wanton destruction of lives and property in recent times. There is an unprecedented increase in kidnapping cases with huge ransom being paid on a regular basis thereby strengthening the resources of the criminals. 

Cattle rustling has equally assumed a worrisome dimension, putting the lives and livelihood of herders in jeopardy all day long. The crises are more obvious in rural areas where bandits and other criminal elements are holding sway with little or no resistance whatsoever, especially from the security agencies. 

It is more worrisome to see residents enduring a series of hardships owing to bandits occupying their spaces, ranging from the imposition of tax payment and levies for farming permits to the bandits. 

Towns and notable villages in Bakura, Bungudu(Bingi South axis), Maru(Dansadau axis) Bukuyyum, and Zurmi, Shinkafi, Tsafe, Gusau(Ruwan Bore and Magami axis), and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas are seriously under the siege of these criminals. For instance, there is no presence of security agents/agencies in the whole of the Ten Wards of Birnin Magaji LGA except in the local govt headquarters. Dansadau axis is also suffering from the same fate, if not worse.  

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Another challenge hampering the execution of the robust operations in the area by security agencies and other security outfits is difficult terrain, with vast forests bordering several states in the geo-political zone. Zamfara State has become a nightmare to residents and concern to the nation hence, the initial no-flight zone order imposed by the federal government and the recent disconnection of all telecommunication services by network providers, in order to assist in clamping down on these criminals. 

Some of the areas being dominated by bandits and some identified criminals terrorizing the areas are listed as follows:

CONCLUSION

The ongoing onslaught against bandits in Zamfara by the military is highly commendable and appreciated especially by Zamfara State residents and the entire nation. Obviously, the successes being recorded cannot be unconnected to the recent disconnection of services by network providers in the State as directed by the Federal Government. 

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More insightful thinking is required at the strategic levels if expected peace will be restored in no distant time. Also, the present momentum should be sustained and hopefully, the bandits will soon be on their kneels. The ongoing bombardment underscores the fact that with the right strategies of warfare, terrorism will be a thing of the past.

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