Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, disclosed this on Friday in a post on his X handle.
A notorious bandit, Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu has been arrested.
The bandit kingpin has been terrorizing communities in Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, disclosed this on Friday in a post on his X handle.
Makama stated that the operation was conducted by troops of Operation FANSAR YANMA and took place on February 27 in the Gusau Local Government Area of the state.
According to the report, 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,” the security expert stated.
However, Makama disclosed that the Nigerian troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, repelling the bandits and preventing further breaches of security.
He said that 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.
“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,” Makama added.