Disease Outbreak Hits Bandits’ Camps in Niger, Zamfara
By Favour Momodu
A disease outbreak has reportedly struck camps operated by armed bandit groups in parts of Niger State and Zamfara State, compounding existing challenges faced by the criminal networks and allegedly weakening their operational capacity.
Sources familiar with security developments in the affected areas said the outbreak, alongside shortages of food supplies, funds and essential medicines, has worsened conditions within the forest hideouts.
The deteriorating humanitarian and logistical situation is said to be creating internal strain among the groups and affecting their ability to carry out attacks in some communities.
A victim who recently escaped from captivity in Niger State and requested anonymity described the health challenges he observed while held in one of the camps.
According to him, several captives as well as some members of the armed groups were battling various illnesses.
He said the absence of medical supplies and lack of access to healthcare services in the remote forest locations aggravated the situation, leaving many in critical condition.
“The condition in the camp was very bad. There were sick people everywhere, and there was no proper treatment,” the escapee said, adding that the development could present a strategic opportunity for security forces.
“If security agencies increase their efforts now, there is a strong possibility of weakening them further, considering the hardship they are facing,” he stated.
Security analyst Usman Bala Tsamiya Babba, commenting on the development, said the reported outbreak underscores the cumulative effect of sustained military operations and growing collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
He noted that cutting off supply chains used to transport food, medicines and financial resources to the armed groups could significantly reduce their operational strength.
“If the channels through which they receive supplies are effectively cut off, it may accelerate the end of their operations,” Babba said.
Banditry has remained a major security challenge in parts of north-west and north-central Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara and Niger states, where armed groups have been linked to kidnappings, attacks on villages and disruption of farming activities.
While authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming the outbreak, security observers say the reported development highlights the fragile conditions within the camps and the potential impact of sustained pressure on criminal networks operating in the region.
