News
How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice

How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, was killed by residents of Mararraba, a community near Yankuzo under Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after his long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice was exposed.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Awwalu, who was well known in Tsafe and surrounding areas, had allegedly been working as an informant for bandits while disguising himself as a member of the local vigilante group. Residents accused him of being responsible for the deaths of several people, either by providing intelligence to bandits or directly executing individuals under the pretense of fighting criminals.
Over the past year, Awwalu had been a controversial figure, suspected of using his position within the vigilante group to eliminate those he considered threats. Among his victims was a young man named Rabi’u Bawa (Zafa), who was executed under his supervision in Tsafe town. He was also said to have led the killing of another young man known as Mailahiya in Sabon Gari, allegedly over a financial dispute.
Despite these allegations, Awwalu continued to move freely between local communities, switching roles depending on the situation sometimes appearing as a vigilante and at other times seen in the company of armed bandits in the forests.
His luck ran out last week when he returned to Mararraba, his hometown, accompanied by an associate. The duo arrived under the guise of retrieving a motorcycle belonging to a local youth. However, their presence immediately raised suspicion among residents, who had grown wary of Awwalu’s activities.
Sensing danger, Awwalu and his companion attempted to hide inside a house, but the residents quickly locked them in. A crowd gathered as word spread that Awwalu, the alleged bandit informant, had been caught. In an unusual move, the residents reached out to Fulani leaders and other community elders in Yankuzo to witness the unfolding event.
When Awwalu was eventually brought out, he tried to defend himself by claiming that his brother, who is the village head of Mararraba, had invited him to the town for a business deal. However, his explanation did not convince the angry crowd.
The situation escalated into a heated exchange between Awwalu and his elder brother, with the village head denying any knowledge of his visit. Sensing that Awwalu was lying, the villagers decided to check his mobile phone for further evidence. Upon searching his phone, residents reportedly found multiple contacts and call logs linking him to known bandits operating in the area. This discovery confirmed their suspicions and sealed Awwalu’s fate.
As tension grew, the community members, alongside some Fulani leaders, agreed that justice must be served. Armed locals fueled by anger and a long history of grievances, immediately opened fire on Awwalu, killing him on the spot. Eyewitnesses reported that as he lay dying, Awwalu continued cursing and hurling insults at those who executed him.
Awwalu’s killing comes amid intensified efforts by local vigilante groups and communities in Zamfara State to rid their areas of bandit collaborators. Over the past few months, several informants have been exposed and executed as frustration grows over continued attacks and abductions.
The incident in Mararraba has heightened tensions in the region, with security forces now closely monitoring the situation to prevent possible reprisals from Awwalu’s associates or bandit groups operating in the Tsafe-Yankuzo axis.
How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
News
Governor hands over 24 vehicles to enhance security in Yobe

Governor hands over 24 vehicles to enhance security in Yobe
By Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON of Yobe state, has handed over 24 refurbished and rehabilitated vehicles to security agencies in the state to enhance their ability to respond swiftly to emerging security challenges.
Buni promised to refurbish and rehabilitate the out-of-service vehicles owned by the security agencies at the recent state security meeting held at Government House, Damaturu.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune) handed over the vehicles to the Yobe state police command and the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with a view to strengthening security operations across the state.
According to him, the vehicles would enhance the timely response to security threats by the agencies as well as intensify surveillance and patrol.
The governor advised the NDLEA to redouble their effort in their operation so as to eradicate the menace of drugs, which is the main factor and catalyst for every criminal activity.
Buni expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of security personnel in safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens of Yobe State.
Also speaking at the occasion, the special adviser to the governor, Mai Mala Buni, on security matters, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd) revealed that the initiative marks another milestone in Governor Buni’s commitment to enhancing security infrastructure and ensuring that the state remains safe for all its residents.
Adding that, 18 of the refurbished vehicles were allocated to the Nigeria Police Force, Yobe state command, while NDLEA Yobe state command received 4 to combat crime and criminality towards securing communities in the state.
Governor hands over 24 vehicles to enhance security in Yobe
News
End of Terror: How Operation Fansan Yanma Troops Eliminated Notorious Bandit Kachallah Dan Isihu

End of Terror: How Operation Fansan Yanma Troops Eliminated Notorious Bandit Kachallah Dan Isihu
By Zagazola Makama
For years, Kachallah Dan Isihu was a name that struck fear into communities across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna State.
A ruthless warlord, he led deadly raids, ambushed security forces, and masterminded kidnappings and cattle rustling operations, leaving a trail of blood and destruction. But his reign of terror has finally come to an end eliminated in a decisive military operation by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma.

The Man Behind the Mayhem
Kachallah Dan Isihu was not just a bandit; he was a symbol of organized terror in the North-West. His network controlled key supply routes for arms and ransom payments, while his fighters, numbering in the hundreds, enforced his rule over villages, collecting illegal taxes and executing those who resisted. Dan Isuhu was a key player on the Kidnap of the train Victims in Kaduna. He received N800 million from the proceeds of the negotiations.
His criminal activities peaked during Ramadan, when he intensified attacks, killing at least one person daily as part of what he reportedly called a “personal obligation.”
In the weeks leading up to his death, Dan Isihu orchestrated multiple attacks that put him at the top of the security forces’ most-wanted list. Among them were: A twin attack on Tsafe town that led to the death of the Tsafe Local Government Security Chief, vigilante members, and security operatives. Daily ambushes on the Tsafe-Yankara highway, where he and his men intercepted and terrorized travelers, conducting up to seven attacks in a single day. Coordinated raids on rural communities, burning homes and forcing entire villages to flee.
Dan Isihu was emboldened by his ties to Ado Alero, a notorious bandit leader who had been declared wanted by the Katsina State Government with a ₦5 million bounty on his head. The endgame for Dan Isihu began when military intelligence tracked his movements to a well-fortified camp in the forests of Zamfara, a known base for his operations. Under Operation Fansan Yanma, a special task force comprising elite ground troops, Air Force fighter jets, and tactical reconnaissance teams launched a targeted assault.
According to military sources, the offensive was swift and devastating: Aerial bombardments neutralized key positions, cutting off escape routes. Ground forces launched a simultaneous attack, engaging Dan Isihu’s fighters in a fierce gun battle. After hours of resistance, Dan Isihu was eliminated, along with dozens of his fighters, in an operation that left no room for his survival. He was initially wounded but later died at Danjibga forest.

Military officer who participated in the mission described the moment they confirmed Dan Isihu’s death: “We knew the battle was over when his men started fleeing in disarray. We have been battling with them for the past four days. We learnt he was wounded but he later died this evening.
The elimination of Dan Isihu is a major victory in the fight against banditry in the North-West.
For residents of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, the fall of Dan Isihu offers a rare moment of relief, but security forces remain on high alert. The military has vowed to sustain its offensive until all criminal elements are wiped out.
As Nigeria continues its battle against insecurity, the success of Operation Fansan Yanma stands as proof that banditry is not invincible, and with sustained military action, peace can return to the troubled North-West.
End of Terror: How Operation Fansan Yanma Troops Eliminated Notorious Bandit Kachallah Dan Isihu
Crime
Police Arrest Notorious Armed Robber in Nasarawa, Hunt for Accomplices

Police Arrest Notorious Armed Robber in Nasarawa, Hunt for Accomplices
By: Zagazola Makama
The Scorpion Squad of the Nigeria Police has arrested a notorious armed robber linked to multiple home invasions and violent robberies across several states.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, Auwal Ibrahim Sani, 30, from Makarfi Rigasa, Kaduna State, was apprehended at Mararaba Garage, Nasarawa State, on March 26 at about 6:00 a.m., following actionable intelligence.
It was gathered that Sani and his gang terrorized victims using assault rifles and other dangerous weapons. One of their most heinous crimes occurred on October 15, 2024, when they invaded House No. 482, Ken Nnamani Street, Wuye, Abuja, at about 3:30 a.m., robbing: Mrs. Helen Ogbolu and Mr. Ojo Otobo, carting away: Two cars: A silver-colored 2017 Honda Accord (ABC 481 KH) and a maroon-colored Honda Accord (YAB 166 GB) Gold jewelry, laptops, and phones
The silver Honda Accord was earlier recovered, and three suspects were arrested, but the maroon Honda Accord remains missing.
During interrogation, Sani confessed that his gang comprised seven members armed with two AK-47 rifles and pistols. He identified his accomplices as Ibrahim, Ismail, Sadiq, Jabire, and Bala, who are still at large.
Efforts are in top gear to track down the fleeing suspects and recover their weapons, while the police continue their investigation.
Police Arrest Notorious Armed Robber in Nasarawa, Hunt for Accomplices
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