Numerous individuals abducted by motorcycle criminals in northern Nigeria

Gunmen have abducted at least 100 people in Nigeria's northwest, as reported by residents. It is said that armed men on motorcycles attacked villages in Zamfara state. Witnesses claim that the residents were kidnapped because they had not paid a "tax" demanded by the gunmen. Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common in north-western Nigeria, with armed gangs, also known as bandits, targeting villages, schools, and travelers and demanding large sums of money. Reuters news agency states that one resident was killed during the attack. A resident from the village of Mutunji, who had been abducted but managed to escape, revealed that the gunmen took more than 100 people, mainly women and young individuals. According to locals, the leader of the gunmen is known as "Damana" and controls a large portion of the region, taking advantage of the absence of state security forces. Villagers have complained that the bandits send them to work as laborers in the forest, then return to the town to enjoy food and goods without paying. Nigeria faces various security challenges, including a jihadist insurgency in the north, violent clashes between herders and farmers, a separatist insurgency in the southeast, as well as militants in the Niger Delta demanding a greater share of oil profits. President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in May, has not yet outlined his plans to address the security issues. The campaign team of Mr. Tinubu, the former governor of Borno state, highlighted his experience in dealing with Islamist militant groups and the Boko Haram insurgency.