Another Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Makore Killed by Security Forces

By: Zagazola Makama

In another major break through in the Northwest of Zamfara, by Nigerian security forces, notorious bandit leader Kachalla Makore has been killed along with several of his fighters.

The operation took place along the Kwankele road in the Magami area of Gusau Local Government Area on Sunday, September 23, 2024.

Kachalla Makore and his men were reportedly en route to recover the body of fellow bandit leader Kachalla Sani Black, who had been killed earlier in the Dan Sadau area of Maru Local Government Area. Sani Black was neutralized in Magama Mai Rake, another notorious hotspot for bandit activity.

Kachalla Makore rose to power after the death of his predecessor, Kachalla Damuna, and was known for his criminal operations around Kangon Garacci village in the Dan Gulbi area, also within Maru Local Government Area.

This victory by security forces comes as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate top bandit leaders as well as curb banditry and violent crime in the North West.

Another Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Makore Killed by Security Forces

NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport

By: Michael Mike

Barely 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ogbuji has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.4 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of over N4.6 billion.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday 10th May 2023 upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986 kilogrammes. He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on 13th July 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of N3 million, which he paid and was set free.

Babafemi said Ogbuji on the court order also forfeited the seized 1.986 kilogrammes cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest.

The spokesman said: “Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 18th September 2024 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt.
As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a second search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect.

He said a total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.4 kilogrammes belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered.

Babafemi said during interrogation of the suspect, he stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a “secondary search” since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found. He claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade.

The spokesman said investigations revealed Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire.

In his reaction to the arrest of Ogbuji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for an excellent job done, adding that the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to the international drug cartels trying to find footholds in Nigeria.

He however assured that the agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.
Ends

NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport

Notorious Bandit Leader Sani Black Eliminated in Zamfara State

By: Zagazola Makama

A major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in northern Nigeria was recorded with the elimination of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Sani Black. Sani Black, a feared warlord responsible for countless terror attacks, was ambushed and killed by local vigilantes supported by military in the Magama Mai Rake area of Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

It was gathered that Sani Black and two of his sons were killed during the operation. The vigilantes recovered two AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, and an undisclosed amount of cash from the scene.

Sani Black had long been a menace to communities across northern Zamfara, known for leading deadly attacks, abductions, and sexual violence. With over 150 armed followers, his reign of terror extended beyond Zamfara to neighboring Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi States. His criminal activities included orchestrating ambushes, kidnapping for ransom, and raiding villages across the region.

Clash with Vigilantes and Military Response

On the morning of September 24, 2024, following information about the clash between vigilantes and terrorists in the Tashar Sahabi area, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hanutara were deployed to the scene to prevent potential reprisal attacks by the terrorists. Upon arrival, they identified the body of Sani Black but soon came under heavy fire from terrorists in the vicinity.

As the firefight intensified, a Combat Support Vehicle (CSK) bogged down in the village, leaving the soldiers vulnerable. Despite reinforcements being mobilized from Team 3 HQ in Magami and FOB Dansadau, the troops were temporarily withdrawn. The CSK was destroyed, and two soldiers were wounded in action (WIA).

Impact of Sani Black’s Death

Sani Black’s death is a significant victory for security forces and local vigilantes in their ongoing battle against banditry in Zamfara State. Sani Black had been a major competitor to another infamous bandit leader, Kachallah Gwaska Dankarami and his influence in the region was unmatched. His ability to wreak havoc across multiple states had earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous criminals in the North West.

Bandits Plan Reprisal

In the aftermath of Sani Black’s death, intelligence reports indicate that bandit leaders, including Gwaska Dankarami and fighters from the late Kawaje group, are mobilizing around Kuran Mota to launch reprisal attacks. Security forces are on high alert, prepared to counter any retaliatory measures as they work to stabilize the region.

Notorious Bandit Leader Sani Black Eliminated in Zamfara State