A video circulating online has sparked fresh concerns over security operations in the North-West after it allegedly captured armed gunmen passing through a police checkpoint without being challenged.
In the footage, a large number of armed men riding motorcycles were seen moving through the checkpoint while some police officers appeared to direct traffic and exchange greetings as the convoy passed.
Security sources told SaharaReporters that the incident reportedly occurred recently along a route between Zamfara and Sokoto states, two of the areas hardest hit by banditry in northern Nigeria.
In the video, a man believed to be recording the scene could be heard speaking in Hausa and expressing concern over the development.
“Bandits with their weapons are moving freely,” he said.
However, another occupant of the vehicle quickly cautioned him against making comments.
“Please keep quiet, why are you talking?” the second voice responded.
The circumstances surrounding the incident could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over persistent attacks by armed groups across several states in the North-West and North-Central regions.
States including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger and parts of Kaduna have witnessed repeated incidents of kidnapping, cattle rustling and deadly attacks on rural communities despite ongoing military and police operations.
Residents in many affected communities have repeatedly complained about the activities of bandits, who often target villages, highways and farmlands, demanding ransom from victims and their families.
