Armed men have kidnapped Alhaji Babangida Kogo, the traditional leader of Yankuzo town in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident happened not long after the Nigerian Air Force carried out a deadly airstrike that killed many bandits hiding in a nearby forest.

Reports say the monarch was taken on the evening of Tuesday, August 5, while trying to leave his town due to fears that the terrorists might return in revenge. He was caught near the Mararraba area while escaping.

Security sources revealed that the kidnappers came in large numbers, riding over ten motorcycles. They ambushed the traditional ruler and his people near an abandoned farmland that used to belong to the late Alhaji Malami Yandoto.

The armed group took the monarch away and left the rest of his group behind.

This kidnapping happened on the same day that military forces carried out a precise airstrike under Operation Hadarin Daji. The operation targeted a large group of bandits who had gathered in a forest between Yankuzo and Munhaye. Sources believe they were gathered for a celebration or a wedding.

The attack was based on strong intelligence and aerial surveillance, which tracked more than 100 armed men as they moved toward the gathering spot.

The airstrike was successful, with many terrorists killed and others seriously injured.

According to security officials, those present at the event included fighters loyal to notorious bandit leaders who operate in the Tsafe-Zurmi area. Some of them were believed to have come from nearby forests in Katsina and Sokoto states.

One source said the area was filled with burnt motorcycles and lifeless bodies after the strike, showing how powerful the attack was.

Following the airstrike, panic spread among villages in the area. Many residents began fleeing, afraid that the surviving bandits would attack in retaliation.

A resident from Yankuzo said the district head was trying to escape for his safety, but unfortunately, he was caught by the bandits before reaching a safe place.

Local vigilante groups say they are working hard to locate the kidnapped monarch. At the same time, military troops have been sent to the area to protect nearby villages and prevent more attacks.

This incident highlights how desperate the bandits have become, as continuous military operations keep putting pressure on their activities in Zamfara and other parts of the North West.