Residents of Kungaboku and Paze communities in the have begun fleeing their homes after suspected bandits issued threats of coordinated attacks on the settlements.
The affected communities, located in on the outskirts of , reportedly received a letter warning that the attackers would launch reprisals following the killing of one of their commanders during a recent security operation.
According to reports, the threat letter was discovered inside a pupil’s school bag at a private school in Paze. A teacher reportedly found the message while marking the child’s homework and immediately alerted the school authorities.
Following the discovery, the pupil, parents, teacher and school authorities were invited by the police for questioning before they were later released.
Threat linked to recent rescue operation
The threat is believed to be connected to a recent rescue operation carried out by troops of the in collaboration with police officers and local vigilantes.
During the operation on March 7, troops from the of the Guards Brigade rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council.
The victims, mostly residents of Kungaboku and Paze, were freed during the mission. Security operatives reportedly killed one bandit during the operation while others fled the area with suspected gunshot wounds.
Security forces also recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm during the raid.
Fresh kidnapping fuels panic
Tension in the communities intensified after suspected bandits attacked a Fulani settlement in Kungaboku a day before the threat letter surfaced.
During the attack, three women were reportedly abducted and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N70 million.
Residents say the communities have suffered repeated attacks in recent months, with gunmen targeting homes, farms and nearby settlements.
In one of the previous incidents in October 2025, veterinary doctor was abducted alongside his children in Kungaboku. He was later shot dead in an open field while the children were taken away.
Earlier this month, suspected bandits also abducted a retired military officer, , along with three children during another raid in the area.
Security agencies move to calm residents
To address the growing tension, the divisional police officer in Byazhin convened a security meeting with residents at the palace of Kungaboku’s community head, Chief .
During the meeting, police confirmed awareness of the threat letter but assured residents that proactive security measures were being implemented to prevent any attack.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and monitor the activities of commercial motorcyclists and scavengers who may act as informants for criminal groups.
Community members were also advised to properly profile new residents moving into the area to ensure they are not linked to criminal networks.
Police further promised to intensify day and night patrols across the affected communities while discussions continue over the construction of a new police post in Kungaboku.
Despite the assurances, fear remains high in the communities, with some homes already deserted as residents await stronger security action to prevent another attack.
