Security Collapse: Villagers & Police Targeted In Farin Ruwa
By MAHMOOD MALIK MUSA (M. M. M.) IBRAHIM
Bandits Strike Police, Civilians in Farin Ruwa
GUNMEN identified by locals as armed bandits have killed an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and at least five villagers in Farin Ruwa village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in a brazen assault that highlights the region’s deteriorating security environment. The attack occurred on 5 January, according to eyewitnesses who spoke to journalists.
Residents described a sudden invasion by heavily-armed men who overpowered a small security detail, sparking panic and leaving several victims dead. The body of ASP Samaila Sule was found at the scene, marking a rare instance of a senior police officer being killed in the line of duty during a civilian settlement attack.
Abduction of Officer, Civilians Intensifies Fear
In a related development, another police officer — Inspector Aliyu Ibrahim — was reportedly abducted during the raid alongside about ten villagers. Security sources say the kidnappers also seized both officers’ rifles and ammunition, fuelling concerns that these weapons may be used in further attacks or ransom negotiations.
The violence mirrors other recent incidents in Zamfara, including the abduction of scores of residents in Buzugu and Rayau villages in October 2025, when gunmen stormed communities in the early hours and took victims before security forces responded.
Security Challenges and Community Impact
Zamfara State has been a focal point of banditry for years, with villages enduring repeated attacks despite ongoing government and military operations. Security analysts note that while the Nigerian Air Force and Joint Task Force have recorded tactical gains — including neutralising dozens of criminals and rescuing kidnapped civilians — the threat persists due to the sheer number of bandits and the difficult terrain that shelters them.
Locals in Farin Ruwa and surrounding communities expressed fear and frustration that law enforcement cannot guarantee protection, pointing to rising displacement and erosion of livelihoods. With displaced residents returning to fields and homesteads each day, the cycle of violence raises urgent questions about long-term strategies to stabilise north-west Nigeria.
