A strange disease has reportedly hit the bandits’ camps in Niger and Zamfara State, Daily Trust reports.

It was gathered that the outbreak of the disease has worsened the health situation in the criminals’ hideouts affecting their day-to-day operations.

An escapee from one of the camps said the bandits and their captors are also faced with severe food shortages, lack of funds and medical supplies to address the situation.

According to the escapee, the current situation in these camps has created internal pressure among the criminals and weakened their capacity to operate in some communities within the states.

Recounting some of the health challenges he faced in the Niger camp, the escapee said both the captives and the bandits were hit with the disease.

He noted that most of the criminals were battling unknown ailments with little or no help in sight.

He also said that the situation has continued to worsen with many left in critical medical conditions.

He added that the current medical situations in the bandits’ camps present an opportunity for the security agencies to close in on the criminals.

“If security agencies increase their efforts now, there is a strong possibility of weakening them further, considering the hardship they are facing,” the escapee said.

In his reaction, Usman Bala, a security expert who spoke on the matter, said the condition in these camps reflects the impact of sustained military operations and increased support from local communities.

Bala stated that the arrest of logistics suppliers for the criminals by the military could have also contributed to these situations.

He said, “If the channels through which they receive supplies are effectively cut off, it may accelerate the end of their operations.”