Security
Yobe Terrorism Probe: Village Head, Two Sons Arrested Over Alleged Attacks
DAMATURU, YOBE STATE: The Village Head of Azare Community in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, Lawan Ganga, has been arrested alongside his two sons, Gambo Lawal Ganga and Ibrahim Lawal Ganga, over their alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities and a series of violent attacks in parts of the state.
The arrest, which took place on September 18, 2026, followed what security sources described as a sustained manhunt for members of an alleged criminal network linked to attacks on communities in Gulani and Gujba Local Government Areas.
Several other suspected members of the group are reportedly still at large, as security agencies continue efforts to locate and apprehend them.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the arrested suspects had provided information that could assist security agencies in establishing the circumstances surrounding a series of attacks allegedly carried out over the past three years.
Of particular interest to investigators, according to the sources, is information allegedly relating to individuals suspected of financing, sponsoring or otherwise facilitating the attacks.
The development has reportedly generated concern in some quarters, amid allegations that certain politically influential and highly placed individuals may be attempting to intervene in the matter and secure the release of some suspects.
The allegations have not been independently established. However, security authorities are expected to investigate any attempt to interfere with an ongoing terrorism-related investigation.
ALLEGED CAMPAIGN AGAINST ZANGO COMMUNITY
The reported crisis dates back to June 2024, when an armed group allegedly began a series of attacks against members of the Zango Community in Gulani Local Government Area.
Community sources allege that the attacks were motivated, among other factors, by an attempt to gain control of agricultural land belonging to residents.
The violence reportedly resulted in repeated killings, injuries, abductions and destruction of property. Community representatives claim that more than 25 people have been killed or injured in the attacks during the period under review.
The allegations have raised serious questions about the security situation in the affected communities and the ability of local institutions to protect residents from recurring attacks.
One of the major incidents reportedly occurred on August 9, 2025, when armed men allegedly attacked the Zango Community, killing several residents and leaving others with serious injuries.
The attack reportedly prompted intervention by personnel of the Bara Divisional Police Station in Gulani, who were said to have recovered the bodies of victims and evacuated injured residents to Damaturu General Hospital.
A manhunt was subsequently launched for those suspected of being responsible for the attack, leading to the arrest of the alleged ring leader, Lawan Aliyu Ganga.
CHRONOLOGY OF REPORTED ATTACKS
Information provided by community sources indicates that the alleged violence occurred in several phases.
Between June 12 and 14, 2024, residents reportedly came under attack, resulting in killings, injuries and the alleged looting of properties.
On July 16, 2024, an elder from the community, Audu Wanzam, was reportedly attacked near a well popularly known as Rijiyar Audu Wanzam while working on his farm.
Another attack was allegedly recorded on July 19, 2024, when members of the Zango Community were reportedly targeted.
On November 7, 2024, several residents were allegedly abducted and taken to an unknown destination, with their captors subsequently demanding ransom.
The community reportedly experienced another major attack in June 2025, followed by the August 9, 2025, incident, during which several people were allegedly killed and others seriously wounded.
The repeated nature of the attacks has prompted calls for a comprehensive investigation into the identities of the perpetrators, their alleged sponsors and the wider network behind the violence.
QUESTIONS OVER RESPONSE OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES
The reported attacks have also raised questions about the response of traditional and local government authorities in the affected areas.
According to community sources, reports of the attacks were brought to the attention of the Gujba Emirate Council, as well as the local government authorities in Gujba and Gulani.
The Emirate is headed by His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Mai Mukhtar Ibn Ali, the Emir of Gujba.
Community members are demanding clarification on the measures taken by the relevant authorities following repeated reports of violence.
The arrest of Lawan Ganga has heightened these concerns because of his position as a traditional title holder in the area.
A community in Zango alleged that Lawan Aliyu Ganga boasted that he must seize the farmland belonging to the people of Zango. The community further alleged that he threatened to ensure that the head of the Zango Community would be brought to his palace if residents failed to comply with his demand.
There are also allegations that the suspects may have exploited their positions and local influence to facilitate criminal activities. Such allegations, however, remain subject to investigation and must be established through due process of law.
CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION
The latest arrests have renewed calls for security agencies to expand their investigation beyond the immediate suspects and establish whether a broader network was responsible for the reported attacks.
Security investigators are expected to establish the identities of those who allegedly planned and executed the attacks, the source of the weapons used, the financiers or sponsors of the alleged operations, and whether any individuals in positions of influence attempted to obstruct investigations.
The people of Zango and other affected communities are now looking to security agencies to establish the truth behind the reported attacks, identify all those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable, regardless of status or influence, is brought before the law.
The central question now is whether the arrest of the Village Head and his two sons will lead security agencies to the wider network allegedly behind the violence, including those who may have financed, facilitated or sponsored the attacks.
