Troops Capture Notorious Bandit Leader Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have captured Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu, a notorious bandit kingpin responsible for terrorizing communities in Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region gathered from security sources that the operation, conducted by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, took place on February 27 at Hegin Mahe, Ruwan Bore in Mada town, Gusau Local Government Area.

Troops launched a well-coordinated ambush, leading to a fierce gun battle in which several bandits were neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The kingpin initially fled into nearby homes but was pursued and captured alive by the security forces.

Hours after his arrest, his gang members, led by Bakin Malam, launched a reprisal attack on Chediya, Bamamu, and Makera villages, issuing threats to dislodge residents if Nabamamu was not released. The attack forced many residents to flee their homes in fear.

However, The Nigerian troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, repelling the bandits and preventing further breach of security. Additional both Air and Land troops were deployed to secure the area and prevent further incursions, while intelligence operations continue to track down fleeing gang members.

Nabamamu, originally from Tsafe, Gidan Alhaji Kaduna, started as an Almajiri before attending Model Primary School, Tsafe. He later relocated to Bamamu village, where he engaged in cattle rearing. For over 30 years, he was involved in armed robbery and later became one of the first Fulani men to openly embrace large-scale banditry in Zamfara.

He first gained notoriety after leading an armed robbery attack on the home of Sani Dan Kyaso, orchestrating multiple murders in the process. Security sources describe him as deadlier than the infamous bandit leader Ado Alero, often warning other criminals such as Dan Isuhu to stay out of his self acclaimed territory.

Nabamamu commanded a large group of fighters, carrying out brutal attacks on villages including Makera, Chediya, Agama Lafiya, Singawa, Yalwa, Rekebu, Fegen Baza, Danmarke, and Sabon Fege, as well as locations near Setraco Company in Tsafe town. His gang was also responsible for numerous kidnappings along the Gusau-Tsafe highway, turning the route into a deadly zone for travelers.

Nabamamu worked closely with other top bandit leaders, including Bakin Malam, Kachallah Mal Tukur, and Kachallah Baldu, controlling at least 100 heavily armed fighters. He imposed millions of naira in levies on villages in Tsafe LGA, ruthlessly punishing communities that failed to pay.

Security sources revealed that Nabamamu had deep ties with weapons traffickers, often securing arms from suppliers linked to foreign terror networks. Intelligence reports indicate that he was involved in coordinating supply chains that provided sophisticated firearms to criminal groups operating in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Niger states.

His gang was also notorious for using informants within local communities to track movements of security forces and high-value kidnap targets. Investigations suggest that he had an extensive financial network, using ransom proceeds to fund operations and maintain strong alliances with other bandit groups.

The arrest of Nabamamu is expected to significantly weaken the operational network of bandit groups in Zamfara. It is believed that dismantling his leadership structure could lead to the rescue of kidnapped victims still held by his gang.

Military operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA have intensified in recent weeks, with coordinated land and air offensives eliminating several high-profile bandits and rescuing hostages from their enclaves in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

Military officials vowed that the offensive will continue until all major bandit leaders are neutralized and peace is restored to the region.

Residents of Mada, Tsafe, and surrounding areas who have been terrorized for many years welcomed the news of Nabamamu’s arrest, expressing hope that security will improve and banditry will be brought under control.

Troops Capture Notorious Bandit Leader Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu in Zamfara

Police secure release of kidnapped lawmaker, another victim in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the release of Hon. Shagala Samuel, who was abducted by armed men along the Guzape–Abacha Barracks bypass on Feb. 25, 2025.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, in a statement on Tuesday, said the lawmaker was freed at about 1:33 a.m. on Feb. 27, following joint efforts by the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilantes.

He was released in the Yelwa Forest area of Nasarawa State, near Gbagalape village, Nyanya Mine.

Additionally, another victim, Nsiyan Chalse Eyang, who was kidnapped near the hills in Nyanya on Feb. 23 at about 8:30 p.m., regained his freedom on Feb. 26 after similar rescue efforts.

The Police assured that efforts were being intensified to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) had taken over the investigation.

The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.

Police secure release of kidnapped lawmaker, another victim in Nasarawa

UPDATE: Residents of Tafoki Kill Three Injured Bandits After Failed Attack

By: Zagazola Makama

Residents of Tafoki Village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have killed three bandits who were wounded during a failed attack on the community, the police have confirmed.

The development follows an earlier attack on Feb. 25, when bandits, riding on about 100 motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the village but were repelled by a joint team of security forces.

During the exchange of gunfire, several bandits sustained injuries before fleeing into the forest.

Local sources, told Zagazola Makama that three of the injured attackers were captured by villagers on the morning of Feb. 26 and subsequently killed.

Security forces have been alerted to the development, while efforts to track down other fleeing bandits continue.

UPDATE: Residents of Tafoki Kill Three Injured Bandits After Failed Attack