A suspected disease outbreak has reportedly struck bandits’ camps across parts of Niger and Zamfara states, worsening conditions inside forest hideouts and disrupting the criminal groups’ operations, according to multiple security and local sources.
Reports indicate that the illness—alongside acute shortages of food, medicines and funds—is taking a heavy toll on the armed groups, creating internal strain and reducing their ability to carry out attacks in some affected communities.
An escapee who recently fled captivity in Niger State said both hostages and their captors were battling various illnesses amid a lack of medical supplies and healthcare access deep in the forests. He described many victims as critically ill, noting that the deteriorating health situation had curtailed movement and activities within the camps.
Security analyst Usman Bala Tsamiya Babba said the development reflects the cumulative impact of sustained military offensives and growing cooperation from local communities, which have disrupted supply chains delivering food, drugs and funds to the bandits. He argued that cutting off these logistics routes could further cripple the groups’ capabilities.
North-west and parts of north-central Nigeria have endured years of banditry, with armed groups operating from vast forest belts across Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna and neighbouring states, carrying out raids, cattle rustling and mass kidnappings for ransom.
Analysts say the reported health crisis inside the camps presents a potential window for security forces to intensify operations against the weakened groups, though authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming the outbreak or identifying the disease.
Abuja Network News
Tags
News