Bandits in Zamfara Now Request Ransom via Bank Transfers, Seize N2 Million

In a bold move, bandits operating in Zamfara State have begun to request ransom payments through electronic bank transfers. SaharaReporters has revealed that on October 3, 2024, some of these criminals successfully received a ransom totaling N2 million via a virtual bank account.

Evidence from a documented money transfer indicates that the amount was deposited into a Palmpay virtual bank account numbered 7026353728, registered under the name Musa Muhammad, who is suspected of having ties to the bandit group in the region.

The story was first reported by Bakatsine, a journalist specializing in conflict and crisis reporting in Northwest Nigeria, on his social media channels. He noted that after the initial transfer, the bandits escalated their demands, requesting additional sums to be delivered to a specified location.

This incident took place in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, underscoring the audacity of the bandits in the area.