A notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Sani Yellow, has been killed in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, although conflicting accounts have emerged over the circumstances of his death.
Multiple local sources said Yellow was shot dead on Friday, July 10, at Dan Jibga Market by gunmen believed to be loyal to rival bandit leader, Dogo Gide.
According to the sources, the assailants ambushed Yellow in broad daylight while he was conducting activities at the market.
Residents familiar with armed groups in the area described the killing as further evidence of the growing rivalry among bandit factions competing for territory and influence across Zamfara.
According to Zagagola Makama, a separate account, however, attributed Yellow’s death to a coordinated security operation in Anka Local Government Area.
Security sources said the bandit commander was neutralised during an offensive involving security operatives and members of the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes recently deployed to support counter-banditry operations in the state.
The sources said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and eliminate high-profile bandit leaders.
Security authorities had yet to officially establish which of the two accounts accurately reflected the circumstances surrounding Yellow’s death as of the time of filing this report.
Yellow was regarded as one of the influential bandit commanders operating in forest corridors spanning Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring local government areas.
He was allegedly involved in attacks on rural communities, mass kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and violent raids that displaced residents.
His activities reportedly made him one of the most wanted bandit leaders in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Meanwhile, communities in Tsafe Local Government Area reportedly came under fresh attacks believed to be reprisals for Yellow’s death and the recent killing of other bandit commanders.
Local sources said gunmen suspected to be loyal to another bandit leader, Adamu Aliero, invaded several communities, killing at least two residents and abducting more than 60 others.
The attackers reportedly looted food items and livestock before retreating into nearby forests.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and police personnel were said to have intensified patrols and launched pursuit operations to rescue the abducted residents and prevent further attacks.
