Rising cases of banditry in Nigeria have been linked to deep-rooted land use conflicts between farmers and herders, according to former Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar.

Speaking during a media interaction ahead of his governorship ambition in Bauchi State, Tuggar identified structural imbalances in land allocation and management as a key driver of insecurity across affected regions.

His comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent rural violence, particularly in the North, where disputes over land resources have escalated into deadly confrontations.

Land Use Imbalance Driving Insecurity

Tuggar explained that the increasing tension between farmers and herders is largely a result of population growth and the gradual encroachment on designated grazing routes.

He noted that as more land is converted for farming and urban development, traditional pastoral pathways are shrinking, forcing herders into conflict-prone areas.

According to him, the lack of clearly defined and properly managed grazing reserves has worsened the situation, leaving both farmers and herders competing for limited resources.

Pastoralism Not a Backward Practice

The former minister pushed back against narratives that portray pastoralism as outdated or incompatible with modern society.

He emphasized that livestock rearing remains a structured and economically viable system in many developed countries, adding that Nigeria should focus on modernizing the sector rather than dismissing it.

This, he said, includes investing in ranching systems, improving livestock management, and integrating technology into agricultural practices.

Displacement and Economic Hardship Fuel Crime

Tuggar warned that indiscriminate allocation of farmland to individuals who fail to utilize it productively is displacing local farmers and worsening rural poverty.

“When people are disenfranchised and can no longer sustain themselves, they may resort to banditry or other criminal activities,” he said.

He stressed that economic marginalization remains a critical factor behind rising insecurity, as affected populations are left with limited means of survival.

Unpaid Pensions Add to Social Instability

Beyond land-related issues, Tuggar identified delayed pension payments as another contributor to insecurity in Nigeria.

He explained that when retirees are unable to meet their basic needs, the financial strain often extends to their families, increasing the likelihood of social unrest and criminal activity.

Ensuring timely payment of pensions and gratuities, he noted, is essential for maintaining stability within communities.

Call for Balanced and Inclusive Solutions

To address the growing crisis, Tuggar called for a balanced approach that protects the interests of both farmers and herders.

He urged collaboration between government authorities, traditional institutions, and local communities to develop sustainable land use policies.

Key recommendations include:

• Proper management of grazing reserves
• Modernization of agricultural and pastoral systems
• Fair and productive land allocation
• Strengthening rural economies
• Economic Diversification as a Long-Term Fix

Tuggar also highlighted the need to expand job opportunities across key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and business process outsourcing.

He argued that inclusive economic policies can significantly reduce unemployment and discourage involvement in criminal activities.

According to him, tackling insecurity requires not just security measures, but also long-term investments in economic development and social welfare.

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A fresh Kaduna bandit attack has left at least 32 persons abducted, including a Catholic catechist, his heavily pregnant wife and their baby, following a midnight raid on Kutaho and Kugir communities in Kagarko Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday in Aribi Ward, has forced more than 90 percent of residents to flee their homes, according to local church authorities.

Mass Abduction After Ransom Threat

Confirming the incident, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kutaho, Rev. Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, said the bandits had earlier issued threats and demanded ransom from residents before carrying out the assault.

According to him, one parishioner received a demand of ₦10 million, with threats of abduction if payment was not made. The attackers allegedly justified their demand by claiming that residents engaged in irrigation farming and ginger cultivation had sufficient financial capacity.

Despite prior warnings to remain vigilant, the gunmen returned as threatened and launched a coordinated attack while many residents were asleep.

Breakdown of Victims

Fr. Bobai disclosed that 16 persons were abducted from Kutaho, including the catechist, his pregnant wife and their baby. Another 16 residents were taken from neighbouring Kugir community, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 32.

He explained that although more than 20 residents were initially rounded up in Kutaho, some elderly individuals and those with health challenges were later released.

In Kugir, the attackers reportedly stormed a church outstation residence and abducted several occupants, including children. Some victims, however, managed to escape while being marched into the bush.

Village Head Injured

The village head, locally known as the Dakachi, narrowly escaped death during the Kaduna bandit attack. He reportedly sustained serious machete injuries to his head and arm and was rushed to Kagarko for medical treatment.

Residents Desert Communities

The renewed violence has triggered mass displacement, with over 90 percent of residents abandoning their homes out of fear of further attacks.

“More than 90 percent of our people slept outside the community. Only a few of us remained behind to keep vigil. Our members cannot continue to run indefinitely,” Fr. Bobai said.

He noted that security personnel stationed in a neighbouring community had earlier been informed about the threats. However, residents were reportedly told that regular patrols were limited in the area.

Call for Urgent Intervention

Community leaders have appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies for immediate intervention to restore safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims.

The latest Kaduna bandit attack underscores persistent security challenges in rural communities across parts of the state, where residents continue to demand sustained security presence and proactive patrols.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Calls to the police spokesperson were reportedly unanswered.

Families of the abducted victims have called for urgent government action and prayers to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.

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A 16-year-old boy and six teenage girls have been abducted by armed bandits in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement in Kawu ward of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Residents told our source that the community, which borders Marke village near Kaduna State, came under attack around 9:47 pm on Wednesday. Armed men carrying AK-47 rifles broke into two homes and took the girls—aged between 17 and 23—along with the teenage boy.

Suleiman Shuaibu, a resident of Kawu, confirmed the incident during a phone call on Thursday morning. He said the bandits fired repeatedly during the invasion, forcing residents into panic.

Some community vigilantes attempted to confront the attackers but were overpowered by their superior weapons.

Shuaibu added that many residents fled their homes out of fear, and no contact has been made with the kidnappers.

Efforts to reach SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not responded to at the time of reporting.

The incident occurred barely 48 hours after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered tighter security across Abuja, especially at border points linking neighbouring states. Following his directive, a joint security taskforce involving the police, DSS, military and other agencies was deployed across the territory.

FCT Police Commissioner, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, had also instructed the operatives to work in synergy and eliminate criminal threats. He noted that the minister had provided adequate logistics to support the operation and enhance residents’ safety.

Source: Daily trust 

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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has accused the Nigerian government of failing to curb the rising wave of deadly attacks across the country, warning that Washington may withdraw financial support if the situation persists.

Speaking in an audio message aired on Fox News Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump said the scale of killings in Nigeria amounted to genocide, insisting that the government had shown little capacity to end the violence.

“I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They are killing people by the thousands. It is a genocide, and I am really angry about it,” Trump said.

He criticised the Nigerian authorities for being, in his words, “very ineffective,” adding that the United States “gives a lot of subsidy to Nigeria” that could be suspended if the government does not take urgent action.

Trump claimed that global attention on the crisis only intensified after he raised concerns publicly.

The remarks come as insecurity continues to escalate in several parts of the country, with communities reporting attacks linked to bandits, extremist groups, and armed militias.

The comments also follow heightened diplomatic engagements between both countries. Earlier this week, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Pentagon, urging Nigeria to adopt tougher measures to protect vulnerable communities.

US Congressman Riley Moore also held talks with the Nigerian delegation in Washington, describing their discussions on counterterrorism and civilian protection as “frank, honest, and productive.”

Senior members of the Nigerian delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olayemi; and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye.

Trump has previously classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious-based attacks, warning that the United States would respond “fast, vicious, and sweet” if the Nigerian government fails to halt the killings.

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The Federal Government has blamed a fresh wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across Nigeria on recent statements issued by the United States, warning that the international commentary has emboldened criminal networks already destabilizing several communities.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, delivered the warning on Wednesday following two major attacks—the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State—which have triggered widespread public outrage.

Akume said President Donald Trump’s posts accusing Nigeria of “Christian genocide” and threatening potential military action had created what he described as a dangerous narrative now being exploited by violent groups seeking visibility.

“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” the SGF said.

According to him, before the controversial statements went viral, terrorist and insurgent structures had been significantly degraded, with most activities reduced to scattered banditry. He insisted that the renewed aggression seen over the past week suggests that extremist networks were attempting to leverage global narratives to justify attacks.

Akume stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops—a direct response to Trump’s threat to deploy US forces—but instead needs enhanced collaboration with international partners in intelligence, technology, and advanced military equipment.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP. What Nigeria needs is targeted support, not foreign military deployment,” he added.

Addressing Trump’s assertion of a “Christian genocide,” the SGF firmly rejected the claim, insisting that available intelligence shows extremist groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing victims of different faiths.

“Nigeria is a secular state. Verified evidence shows these criminal groups attack Muslims and Christians alike,” he said, noting that government appointments also reflect the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.

He cautioned against narratives that oversimplify the crisis, arguing that such portrayals risk fueling division and providing ideological cover for criminal elements.

The recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara—two of the deadliest in weeks—have amplified security concerns across the country. In Kebbi, bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 students.

Makuku reportedly died while attempting to protect students during the assault.

In Kwara State, gunmen attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing at least two people and injuring others before abducting an unspecified number of residents. A second attack along the Ilorin–Kabba Road forced travellers to flee into nearby bushes.

The SGF stated that while the government continues to strengthen security operations, international partners—especially the United States—must avoid statements capable of escalating tension or emboldening insurgents.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist and criminal networks and protecting every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

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Governor Nasir Idris has assured parents of the 25 schoolgirls abducted by bandits in Kebbi State that his administration is working closely with security agencies to bring the children home safely.

The governor, who cut short an official assignment in Abuja to visit Maga in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, met with parents and community leaders shortly after the attack.

He said the state government is fully committed to securing the girls from their captors.

“We are in Maga to see things for ourselves following the unfortunate incident,” he said. “We have interacted with the parents of the girls and assured them that we will do everything humanly possible to ensure their children are secured.”

Governor Idris added that a joint rescue operation involving federal security operatives and the state government is underway and expressed confidence that the coordinated response will lead to the safe return of the students.

While sympathising with the parents and the Zuru Emirate, he said he has already met with key stakeholders to discuss stronger preventive measures to avoid future attacks and ensure improved school safety across the state.

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