Bandits abduct Zamfara elders, Police launch rescue operation

At least 39 residents of Magamin Diddi community in Zamfara State have been abducted by bandits during an attempt to hold a peace and reconciliation meeting with a suspected bandit leader identified as 'Jimo Smally'. Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar said the Command has deployed operational teams and intelligence units to track the victims and secure their rescue. Community sources said about 47 to 50 elders had initially gone to the Fadama forest for dialogue to restore peace and allow safe access to farmlands, but were surrounded and abducted.