Security: Nigeria
Residents of Zoma, a village in Zamfara State in north-west Nigeria, say a gunfight between local militiamen and armed men they call “bandits” killed more than 50 people on Thursday 12 November 2026. Police said they had not yet received details.
Key Facts
—What: Gunfight reported between village militiamen and armed kidnappers; more than 50 dead, residents say
—Where: Zoma village, Bukkuyum district, Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria
—When: Thursday 12 November 2026
—Status: Not confirmed by officials; police have no details yet, and the toll rests on residents’ accounts
—As of: Saturday 14 November 2026, 19:00 GMT
What Residents Report
Local militiamen in Zoma ambushed armed men passing through the village after they had kidnapped several people in neighbouring Gummi district (both are local council areas of Zamfara), according to the account residents gave reporters on Saturday 14 November 2026. A village chief, who asked not to be named for security reasons, said the militia killed 44 of the gunmen and lost nine of its own members.
The chief and two named residents, Kabiru Tafida and Basiru Buhari, gave the same account and the same toll. The chief also said a gang leader known as Jijji, who led the kidnappings, was among the dead.
What Is Not Known
A Zamfara State police spokesman told reporters that the force had yet to receive details of the clash. We found no army or government figure, and the tolls on each side come from one village chief.
This brief stays at what residents said until an official account appears. Read our earlier reports on an arson attack in Zamfara on 8 November and a bandit leader reported killed in Katsina.
More: Nigeria news, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Zamfara clash?
Residents say more than 50: 44 gunmen and nine militiamen. Police said on Saturday 14 November they had not yet received details.
What is a bandit in northern Nigeria?
The word describes armed gangs that kidnap for ransom and raid villages. The Nigerian army usually calls such groups “terrorists”.
Sources: residents of Zoma village (Kabiru Tafida, Basiru Buhari and an unnamed village chief), accounts of 14 November 2026; Zamfara State police spokesman, comment given to reporters, published 14 November 2026.
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