- At least five foreign nationals abducted at a gold mining site in Zamfara
- Attack occurred near Arafa village in Maru LGA
- Gunmen reportedly fled before troops arrived from Operation Fansan Yamma base
- Incident linked to illegal mining and banditry in the region
Suspected bandits have abducted at least five foreign nationals working at a gold mining site near Arafa village in Zamfara State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 11:15 a.m. on March 14 when a large group of armed men stormed the mining site and forcibly took the workers to an unknown destination.
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According to a report shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attackers had been hiding in the bush between Arafa and Gidan Dankande village before carrying out the abduction.
The gunmen reportedly fled into the surrounding forest before security personnel deployed from a nearby Operation Fansan Yamma base arrived at the scene.
Security sources said efforts are currently underway to track the bandits and secure the safe release of the abducted workers.
“Security forces are combing the area for intelligence on their whereabouts,” the report stated.
The latest kidnapping has been linked to the long-standing connection between illegal mining operations and armed banditry in Zamfara.
According to local sources, the mineral-rich North-West region—known for deposits of gold, copper, and lithium—has attracted both legitimate investors and criminal networks.
Reports indicate that many bandit leaders in the region receive regular royalties from miners, creating a system that strengthens their control over mining areas.
These payments, according to the report, often serve as protection money that helps finance criminal operations such as kidnappings, arms purchases, and recruitment of fighters.
Analysts say the situation highlights the growing challenge facing authorities in tackling illegal mining and armed banditry in northern Nigeria.
Authorities have since intensified search operations to locate the kidnapped foreigners and bring the perpetrators to justice.
