Buhari II (2015–2023) — Katsina State

Banditry — Katsina is one of Nigeria's three worst-affected states (with Zamfara and Sokoto) from 2018 onwards. Northern Katsina LGAs (Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Faskari, Kankara, Sabuwa, Dandume) effectively cede control to armed groups.Northern Abandonment Cycle
11 December 2020 — GSSS Kankara abduction. 333 boys kidnapped from their hostel; released 17 December after government negotiation (terms never disclosed). The largest single mass abduction in Nigerian history after Chibok 2014.Northern Abandonment Cycle
17 February 2021 — Government Science Secondary School Kagara abduction (Niger State, but linked to the Katsina-Zamfara bandit network).Northern Abandonment Cycle
26 February 2021 — Jangebe (Zamfara) abduction follows the same template.Northern Abandonment Cycle
2022 — bandits attack the railway at Rigasa (Kaduna) but launch from Katsina-Birnin Gwari forest corridor.Northern Abandonment Cycle
2018, 2022, 2023 — multiple Buhari-era ransom payments to bandit leaders alleged but never confirmed.Northern Abandonment Cycle