Deadly bandit commander, Kachalla Sani Yellow, has been killed in Zamfara State, marking the end of the activities of one of the region’s most feared criminal figures who was linked to numerous kidnappings, deadly attacks and cattle rustling operations across the North-West.
Though, conflicting accounts have continued to trail the circumstances surrounding his death.
A report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, cited several local sources as saying that Yellow was gunned down on Friday, July 10, at Dan Jibga Market in Anka Local Government Area by armed men believed to be loyal to rival bandit commander, Dogo Gide.
The sources claimed the attackers struck in broad daylight, ambushing the notorious gang leader while he was reportedly carrying out activities at the market.
Residents familiar with the security situation in the area said the incident reflects the growing rivalry among armed groups competing for dominance and territorial control in parts of Zamfara State.
A separate account, however, suggested that Yellow was killed during a recent security offensive in Anka Local Government Area.
Security sources alleged that the bandit commander was neutralised in a joint operation involving security personnel and members of the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes, recently deployed to reinforce ongoing anti-bandit operations in the state.
According to the sources, the operation formed part of sustained efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal camps and eliminate notorious bandit leaders operating across Zamfara.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to officially verify which version of events accurately explained the circumstances of Yellow’s death.
Nonetheless, his death is being viewed as a significant development in the ongoing fight against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West.
Yellow was regarded as one of the most influential bandit commanders operating in forested areas covering Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring local government areas.
He was accused of coordinating repeated attacks on rural communities, organising mass abductions for ransom, engaging in cattle rustling and leading violent raids that forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.
His activities earned him a place among the most wanted bandit leaders in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Meanwhile, fresh violence has reportedly erupted in Tsafe Local Government Area, where communities were attacked in what local sources described as reprisal assaults following Yellow’s death.
The sources said gunmen believed to be loyal to another notorious bandit leader, Adamu Aliero, invaded several communities, killing at least two people and abducting more than 60 others.
The attackers were also said to have carted away food supplies and livestock before retreating into nearby forest hideouts.
Residents believe the attacks were carried out in retaliation for the recent killings of senior bandit commanders during ongoing security operations in the state.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, alongside the police, have reportedly stepped up patrols and launched pursuit operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and preventing further reprisal attacks.
