Cholera Outbreak Reportedly Kills 6 Bandits In Zamfara Hideout

An outbreak of cholera has reportedly killed at least six suspected bandits, including the deputy of a notorious kingpin, in Zamfara State.

Security and community sources said the outbreak occurred in the camp of Muhammadu Gwaska in Anka Local Government Area, where the disease spread rapidly and claimed multiple lives within days.

Among those killed is Abubakar Dattiya, Gwaska’s second-in-command. Sources said his death is expected to affect the leadership and operations of the armed group.

According to sources familiar with the incident, several members of the gang suddenly developed symptoms consistent with cholera before the illness spread through the camp.
With limited access to medical care in the remote forest enclave, the outbreak claimed several lives in quick succession.

While authorities have not officially confirmed the incident, security sources said intelligence operatives are monitoring the situation to ascertain the actual casualty figure and its impact on the group’s operational strength.

The reported outbreak comes as security forces sustain offensives against armed groups across Zamfara and other North-West states. The operations target bandit enclaves linked to kidnapping, killings and cattle rustling.

Residents in the affected communities welcomed the development, expressing hope that it would weaken the group’s capacity to attack civilians.

Community leaders, however, urged security agencies not to relent, saying sustained military pressure remains essential to dismantling the remaining bandit networks and restoring peace to the region.