Anxiety as suspected disease outbreak hits bandits’ camps in Niger, Zamfara

By OUR REPORTER

“Both captives and some members of the bandits were struggling with various illnesses,” he said.

Armed bandit groups operating in parts of the Northern Nigeria are reportedly battling a suspected disease outbreak that has worsened conditions within their forest hideouts.

Sources familiar with the development said the health crisis, combined with shortages of food, medicine and funds, has disrupted the operations of the criminal groups. The deteriorating situation in several camps is said to have triggered internal strain and weakened their ability to launch attacks on nearby communities.

A man who recently escaped from captivity in Niger State, and who spoke on condition of anonymity, described dire conditions inside one of the camps.

“Both captives and some members of the bandits were struggling with various illnesses,” he said. He added that the absence of medical care and essential drugs in the forest left many critically ill.

According to the escapee, the current challenges facing the groups present an opportunity for security agencies to intensify ongoing operations against them.

“If authorities step up their efforts now, they stand a strong chance of further weakening the bandits, given the difficulties they are facing,” he said.

Security analyst Usman Bala Tsamiya Babba also confirmed reports of mounting pressure on the armed groups. He attributed their difficulties to sustained military operations and increased cooperation from local communities.

He emphasized that cutting off supply lines for food, medicine and financial resources could further cripple the bandits’ activities in the affected states.