Two Notorious Bandits Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u Killed rival clashes in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

In another blow to banditry in Zamfara State, two notorious bandits, Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u, have been killed in separate encounters with rival bandit faction of Dogo Geide.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Malama that Kachalla Idi Mai Randa, a known bandit leader responsible for multiple attacks in the region, was killed in an ambush laid by rival bandit Dogo Geide on Sunday evening.

The attack occurred following a series of violent confrontations between the two factions. Idi Mai Randa had previously led an attack that resulted in the killing of Gide’s boy, prompting him to vow revenge.

Idi Mai Randa’s death comes days after the killing of Ya’u, another notorious bandit who had been previously captured in Tsafe Local Government Area.

Ya’u, a close ally of Idi Mai Randa, had been implicated in numerous attacks and was believed to be in possession of significant weaponry. Although Idi Mai Randa denied any involvement with Ya’u’s weaponry, it is now confirmed that both he and Ya’u have met their Waterloo, with the story of their deaths reported from their emclave early today.

The troops of Operation Fansan Yanma in collaboration with it Air Component as well as federal security forces, continue to make significant strides in dismantling bandit in their hideouts in the region.

The joint effort has already resulted in the deaths of several high profile bandit leaders and the capture of important assets.

Two Notorious Bandits Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u Killed rival clashes in Zamfara

ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave

By Zagazola Makama

Fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) on Sunday evening killed several farmers in Daban Gajere, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, in what appeared to be a betrayal of an earlier agreement to permit farming activities in their enclave.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the farmers had negotiated with a faction of ISWAP, paying levies to secure access to farmland near Daban Leda, close to Mangari, approximately eight kilometers from Baga town. The arrangement was intended to allow them to cultivate their crops without interference.

However, another ISWAP group, unaware of the agreement, intercepted the farmers and opened fire, killing several of them.

Chairman of the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, Abubakar Gamandi, confirmed the incident. He explained that some survivors of the attack had reported the betrayal by the armed group.

“Our farmers were killed after they went to the ISWAP enclave to farm. They had made an arrangement with ISWAP and paid them money. Unfortunately, another faction of ISWAP, unaware of the agreement, attacked them. This is what the survivors who escaped told us,” Gamandi said.

He noted that the exact number of casualties remains unclear as more survivors are still emerging from the area. “Only when they all come out can we ascertain the total number of casualties,” he added.

Zagazola understands that the Nigerian military had established secure perimeters where farmers and fishermen could operate under military protection. However, some farmers opted to negotiate directly with ISWAP, bypassing the safe zones. This decision, unfortunately, resulted in tragic consequences.

In some instances, farmers and fishermen who enter ISWAP controlled areas are used as couriers or logistical suppliers. When they fail to meet demands, they are accused of espionage and face severe consequences.

The incident demonstrates the precarious and complex relationship between civilians and armed groups in conflict affected areas. Desperate to sustain their livelihoods, civilians often take significant risks that expose them to violence or death.

Despite the dangers, over 2,000 farmers and fishermen are reportedly still operating in ISWAP enclaves, often caught in crossfire during rival clashes or killed by factions that suspect them of betrayal.

ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave

Troops Eliminate Three Notorious Bandit Leaders in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with Zamfara State’s Community Watch group, also known as Askarawa, have achieved a major breakthrough by neutralizing three notorious bandit leaders in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the bandit leaders including Kachallah Mai Shadda, Kachalla Gurgu, and Kachalla Mai Dadawere ambushed and eliminated near Gangara village while fleeing military incursions. The operation occurred as the bandits attempted to escape on two motorcycles.

The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry across the Northwest region, including Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. In the past week, over 60 bandits have been neutralized, while dozens have been forced to flee their enclaves due to intensified military pressure.

In another operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out precision strikes targeting bandits loyal to the infamous Bello Turji as they retreated toward remote areas in Maradun and Zurmi LGAs. Ground troops and local vigilantes supported the airstrikes, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.

Ground forces also recorded successes in Fakai, located in Shinkafi LGA, where several bandits were eliminated. However, some vigilantes pursuing the criminals were caught in crossfire, resulting in casualties. The injured vigilantes have been evacuated to healthcare facilities in Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, and Kaya for treatment.

Sources report that bandits led by Bello Turji are relocating from Shinkafi LGA’s forest to Surbudu Forest in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. This movement has raised concerns about potential regrouping.

In a separate incident, Turji’s faction was spotted along the Mayasa Road near Gidan Jaja, transporting hundreds of rustled livestock. To avoid aerial detection, the bandits positioned the animals at the front of their convoy while riding motorcycles in the middle, complicating surveillance efforts.

Be on standby as Zagazola brings more updates from North West Theartre

Troops Eliminate Three Notorious Bandit Leaders in Zamfara