Connect with us

Crime

💣 After 11 Years On The Run, Infamous Bandit Kingpin Finally Nabbed In Kaduna

Published

5 months ago

on

💣 After 11 Years On The Run, Infamous Bandit Kingpin Finally Nabbed In Kaduna

For over a decade, he was a ghost. Now, he’s in cuffs.

The long arm of the law finally caught up with Mati Bagio, one of northern Nigeria’s most elusive and dangerous bandit leaders, bringing a chilling chapter of violence and fear to a pivotal turning point. Bagio, who had orchestrated terror campaigns across Kaduna and Katsina States for 11 years, was arrested on July 18, 2025, in a highly coordinated police operation at the crack of dawn.

👤 Who Is Mati Bagio?

To many residents in Giwa, Faskari, and Hunkuyi, the name Bagio conjures memories of burnt villages, kidnapped families, and nights spent in fear. As a bandit leader, Bagio had become a phantom figure — evading law enforcement and allegedly commanding operations that ranged from village raids and extortion to kidnappings and arms trafficking. Despite multiple crackdowns over the years, he slipped through, vanishing into the vast rural terrains of the North.

That changed this week.

According to Kaduna State Police Spokesperson Mansir Hassan, the operation that finally brought Bagio down was led by CSP Sani Zuntu of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Armed with credible intelligence, Zuntu’s team raided Bagio’s home in Unguwan Galadima, Giwa LGA — a place he perhaps thought was still safe after years of avoiding arrest.

🔫 Weapons Cache Uncovered

The arrest wasn’t just symbolic — it was a tactical blow. The police recovered a shocking arsenal from Bagio’s residence, including:

  • 1 AK-47 rifle & 1 fabricated AK-47

  • 1 pump-action shotgun

  • 2 English pistols

  • 87 rounds of pistol ammo

  • Magazines, machetes, and even fabricated gun butts

For law enforcement, this wasn’t just the arrest of a fugitive — it was the disabling of an active war chest.

“This arrest marks a major victory in our ongoing fight against banditry and illegal arms circulation in Kaduna,” said Police PRO Mansir Hassan.

🚔 Not Just One Arrest — A Sweep Across the State

While Bagio’s capture dominated headlines, the Kaduna Police were also active on other fronts. In separate operations:

  • A Toyota Prado SUV stolen at gunpoint in Abuja was recovered in Kaduna. The suspect fled before arrest, but the vehicle is now back in police custody pending transfer to the FCT Command.

  • Four men involved in motorcycle theft and violent attacks on cyclists were arrested. These men — Yusuf Yakubu, Abubakar Jibrin, Mustapha Aliyu, and Yunusa Yusuf — were tracked through tip-offs and surveillance. Two motorcycles were recovered in the raid.

These arrests reflect a growing trend: criminals who once saw Kaduna as a safe haven are quickly learning the opposite is now true.

🧠 What This Means: The Tides Are Turning

For years, rural parts of Northern Nigeria have been ravaged by banditry — an often-overlooked crisis that has displaced thousands and crippled farming communities. The arrest of Bagio isn’t just about one man; it represents a slow but steady shift in strategy from the Nigerian security forces. Intelligence-led policing, inter-state coordination, and rapid response units are proving more effective than past reactive models.

But challenges remain. Banditry in the Northwest is tied to deeper issues: youth unemployment, porous borders, arms smuggling, and a trust deficit between locals and security agencies. Policing alone won’t fix this — but this arrest sends a loud signal that impunity is no longer guaranteed.

🤝 A Call for Vigilance

Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad praised his team and reminded the public that security is a shared responsibility. “The police need credible information. Communities must speak up. Every tip counts,” he emphasized.

✍️ Final Thoughts

The fall of Mati Bagio reminds us that even the most feared criminals eventually run out of shadows to hide in. It’s a moment of hope — not just for the families he harmed, but for a region tired of suffering in silence.

Kaduna is fighting back — not just with guns, but with strategy, vigilance, and resilience.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
4 Comments

4 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Published

1 week ago

on

November 28, 2025

By

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.

Continue Reading

Crime

Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

Published

1 week ago

on

November 28, 2025

By

Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has opened up about a surprising and thought-provoking conversation he once had with a young man who claimed to be living in the bush as a bandit. Dalung shared the experience during an interview with News Central, explaining how the encounter gave him a deeper understanding of the issues fueling insecurity……CONTINUE READING

According to Dalung, he was browsing TikTok when he came across the young man, who openly described himself as someone living in the forest due to ongoing conflict. Curious, Dalung asked why they engaged in violent activities. The young man responded that they had suffered losses themselves and felt targeted by vigilante groups who, according to him, harmed their people and took their cattle. This, he said, pushed them into retaliation and led them deeper into the bush.

Dalung explained that he challenged the young man, pointing out that innocent people—including other Fulani individuals—were being harmed in the process. The young man replied that, from their viewpoint, only those living in the bush were considered part of their community, while anyone living in town was seen differently. It was a response that, according to Dalung, revealed how distorted perceptions can worsen the cycle of conflict.

Wanting to know if there was any path toward peace, Dalung asked what could help end the violence. The young man shared that they were open to negotiation and discussions that could encourage them to give up their weapons and reintegrate into society. Dalung noted that the confidence with which the young man spoke was unsettling, but it also showed that dialogue could be part of the solution.

Reflecting on the experience, Dalung urged the National Assembly to consider constitutional changes that would allow Nigerians the legal right to defend themselves responsibly, especially in areas affected by insecurity.

His conversation serves as a reminder of how complex the nation’s security challenges are—and how personal engagement, understanding, and strategic dialogue may help chart a way forward.

Continue Reading

Crime

BREAKING: EFCC Drags Ex-Justice Minister Malami—What He Said Will Shock You

Published

1 week ago

on

November 28, 2025

By

BREAKING: EFCC Drags Ex-Justice Minister Malami—What He Said Will Shock You

Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially summoned him—sending shockwaves across the nation’s political landscape…….CONTINUE READING

Malami, who served from 2015 to 2023 under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, broke the news himself in a bold announcement on his social media page, declaring that he is ready to face investigators head-on.

The once-powerful justice minister, known for steering some of the country’s most controversial legal battles—from massive asset recovery operations to heated anti-corruption reforms—now finds himself at the centre of a fresh probe.
Throughout his tenure, Malami was linked to numerous high-stakes decisions, arbitration wars, and sensitive financial crime cases that kept him in the public eye.

In recent years, however, scrutiny tightened around issues such as asset declarations and management of recovered funds—allegations he has firmly and repeatedly rejected.

For now, the EFCC remains tight-lipped, refusing to disclose what exactly Malami is being called in for, leaving the public buzzing with speculation.

In a confident statement on Facebook, Malami wrote:

“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC.
As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation.
I understand the spirit of accountability and transparency in public service—principles I have always advocated.
I am committed to sharing developments with the Nigerian public as they unfold.”

With Malami’s pledge to keep Nigerians updated, all eyes are now fixed on the unfolding drama—a saga that promises to shake up the nation’s justice and political corridors once again.

Continue Reading

Trending