Army Chief Visits Zamfara Amid Anti-Banditry Operations as Osun Residents Panic Over False Attack Reports

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, visited Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, on Thursday to bolster ongoing counter-banditry efforts in Nigeria’s North-West.

Shaibu arrived at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansa Yamma, as part of an operational tour of frontline units confronting bandits and other criminal elements. He was received with full military honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour, by senior commanders.

Accompanying him were principal staff officers from the Army Headquarters and representatives from the offices of the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff. Military sources said the visit is part of a nationwide tour to assess troop morale, operational readiness, and the progress of counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaigns across the country.

Meanwhile, panic gripped parts of Osun State on Wednesday night following social media posts claiming bandit attacks along the Iwo–Osogbo Road. Videos and voice notes circulating on Facebook suggested bandits were seen near Osuntedo and Idoo communities, sparking widespread fear.

The Osun State Police Command, however, debunked the claims, clarifying that no bandit or herdsmen attacks occurred. Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi explained that the commotion stemmed from a road accident earlier in the day. A Toyota Sienna collided with the rear of a bus near the Gbongan axis. A misunderstanding escalated when the Sienna driver accused the bus occupants — two brothers — of being kidnappers, prompting a mob to attack and vandalize the bus. A local hunter intervened, rescuing the victims and taking them to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters.

Reinforcements from Osogbo were deployed to restore order. The police are working to identify and arrest members of the mob. Ojelabi condemned the spread of false information, warning that unverified claims endanger lives and urging residents to report suspicious activities to authorities rather than resorting to jungle justice.