Two notorious bandit kingpins, Sani Black and Kachalla Makore, have been confirmed killed in Zamfara State.
The duo, responsible for numerous attacks across the Dansadau district and other areas in Maru Local Government Area, met their end during a joint operation by the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG) and Nigerian troops.
Alhaji Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, Senior Special Adviser to the Zamfara State Governor on Media and Communications, confirmed the deaths. According to Kaura, Sani Black was killed in an ambush on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Yar-Tasha village. Two days later, Kachalla Makore was eliminated at Kunkeli village, both in Maru Local Government.
Kaura explained that after Sani Black’s death, Makore mobilized his men to recover the body and seek revenge. However, they were ambushed by security forces, resulting in Makore’s death along with 15 of his foot soldiers. Black had been killed alongside eight of his closest lieutenants. Makore, during his confrontation with security personnel, managed to destroy an armored personnel carrier (APC) and injured two soldiers before being neutralized.
The senior adviser hailed the operation as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara. He urged security forces to maintain their momentum until all bandit activities in the region are completely quashed.
Kaura reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and called on residents to provide valuable information that could aid in the capture or elimination of remaining bandits.
Earlier this month, the Federal Government directed the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and top military officials to oversee operations in the North-West region.
This directive is part of a broader strategy to eliminate the threats posed by banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the region. Matawalle emphasized that they will focus on flushing out notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his gang.
