Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Gusau, Zamfara State — In a significant breakthrough in the fight against criminality and banditry in north‑western Nigeria, local vigilante groups and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), with support from security forces, have neutralised one of Zamfara’s most feared bandit commanders, delivering a major blow to criminal networks that have terrorised communities across the state.
The operation, carried out by Shinkafi volunteer forces acting on credible intelligence about the bandits’ location, resulted in the death of Kachalla “Yellow” Danbokolo, a notorious kingpin widely feared for violent raids, kidnappings and extortion in rural communities. Security sources say Danbokolo’s elimination follows a fierce gun battle in which more than 170 suspected bandits were also killed in a concentrated offensive against the gang’s strongholds, prompting jubilation among residents who long suffered under his reign of terror.
Danbokolo had been regarded by locals as one of the most violent operators in the region — even surpassing other criminal bosses in ruthlessness — and was blamed for multiple attacks on villages, forced levies on farmers, and widespread insecurity that disrupted farming and daily life in Shinkafi and surrounding areas. Community members expressed relief and gratitude after the announcement of his death, saying it marked a turning point in efforts to restore peace to areas long plagued by banditry.
The coordinated offensive involved civilian volunteer forces, including vigilante and CJTF elements, who leveraged intimate knowledge of local terrain and insurgent movement patterns to mount surprise assaults on bandit hideouts. Although official details of the role of federal agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS) remain limited, community reports noted that the security operation was supported, at least indirectly, by enhanced intelligence cooperation and a broader campaign to dismantle bandit networks in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Residents of Kurya District in Shinkafi Local Government Area celebrated the reported neutralisation of Danbokolo and the heavy losses inflicted on his fighters, with many hoping the development would break the cycle of violence that for years hindered farming, education and economic activity. Several villagers described the historic criminal figure as a persistent threat that had left deep psychological and socio‑economic scars on the community.
Security experts say that the involvement of local vigilante organisations, such as the Civilian Joint Task Force and Community Protection Guards, underscores the growing reliance on community‑based security strategies to supplement formal military and police efforts in Nigeria’s bandit‑affected regions. These volunteer forces, often raised by local residents, have increasingly played a frontline role in sharing intelligence, manning checkpoints and participating directly in offensive operations against outlawed groups.
While the killing of Danbokolo represents a major tactical victory, analysts warn that the broader challenge of banditry and criminal syndicates in the northwest remains complex. Many gangs operate in diffuse networks across rugged terrain, and eliminating one leader may lead others to vie for control unless comprehensive security and governance measures continue unabated. Still, the latest success has been widely welcomed by ordinary citizens as a tangible step toward restoring security, livelihoods, and community confidence in Zamfara State.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments