Volunteer security forces in Zamfara State have reportedly killed one of the region’s most feared bandit leaders, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, along with more than 170 of his fighters, in a major offensive in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Security sources confirmed that the bandit kingpin sustained fatal injuries during a surprise attack by the Shinkafi Volunteer Forces and died over the weekend. He was buried on Saturday.
Kachalla Yellow, known for his brutality and deep control over banditry operations across Zamfara and the wider North-West, was regarded by many locals as more dangerous than his cousin, Bello Turji, who has often been described as a mere spokesperson for the terror network.
The successful operation has triggered widespread celebrations, particularly in Kurya District, where residents say they endured years of terror under his command.
“We are in a serious celebration mood. It is hard to believe that Danbokolo, a man whose name used to strike fear in our hearts, is no more,” a local villager said. “Not only Danbokolo was killed; at least 173 bandits loyal to him have been killed and buried within the week and several of them have fled the community.”
Another resident noted that the morale of bandit groups linked to Bello Turji has dropped significantly since the attack.
“Turji and his loyalists are now in disarray. Some of them are already pleading for amnesty, sensing that their end is near,” he said.
The development has reignited hope among local farmers and residents, many of whom were previously forced to pay illegal taxes to bandit groups to access their farmlands.
“This is the first time we believe that these bandits will soon be gone for good,” a resident added.
