The Zamfara government says 80 suspected bandits and kidnappers have been arrested.

Abdullahi Shinkafi, chairman of the Zamfara Committee on Prosecution of Banditry and Related Offences, disclosed this to journalists in Gusau on Tuesday.

“Other suspects, including women, who are in the custody of security forces are informants, food and drug suppliers, suppliers of military camouflage and police uniforms,” he said.

He added that while an investigation was ongoing on the criminal activities, some suspects had been charged to court.

Mr Shinkafi, also a committee member on finding the root causes of armed banditry in Zamfara, explained that the sudden resurgence of bandits and kidnapping in the state was due to the recent bombardment of various bandits camps by the Nigerian Air Force.

He said many bandits were killed during the military raid and others dislodged.

“Those dislodged are now regrouping to attack communities as a form of revenge,” he stated. “These are some reasons the government suspended political rallies and electioneering campaigns to deal with the situation.”

The Zamfara government passed Executive Order No10, suspending political rallies and total lockdown in three local government areas, including Anka, Bukuyum and Gummi, roads, and other towns and villages.

The government directed security operatives to deal with those found violating the orders.

(NAN)