Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigerian security forces have recorded a major operational success in the fight against banditry, following the killing of two notorious bandit commanders during coordinated military operations in parts of Niger State.
Among those neutralised is Kachalla Dan Gudale Shangel, a feared bandit leader widely known for rejecting peace initiatives and orchestrating violent attacks across several communities in north-central and north-western Nigeria. Security sources said Dan Gudale was responsible for multiple assaults spanning Birnin Gwari axis, Niger North, and border local government areas of Kebbi State, including Danko/Wasagu, Sakaba, Ngaski and Yauri.
Dan Gudale had long been linked to mass killings, the burning of villages, large-scale kidnappings and widespread cattle rustling. His activities reportedly contributed significantly to the prolonged insecurity affecting rural communities and major routes linking Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The operation that led to his death also resulted in the killing of another senior bandit commander, whose identity was still being confirmed at the time of reporting. Military sources said several other armed commanders were neutralised during fierce clashes that occurred in Lioji and Mailaka areas of Kotonkoro.
According to accounts from the area, the confrontations began when troops intercepted armed bandits attempting to relocate hostages toward Zamfara State and the Birnin Gwari forest corridor. The movement of captives is believed to have been aimed at evading sustained military pressure and regrouping in familiar hideouts.
Residents and local informants said the encounters were intense, with heavy exchanges of gunfire lasting several hours. They reported that surviving bandits fled in disarray through the Sangeko–Kabaro axis, abandoning bodies of their dead and wounded fighters in the process.
Locals further disclosed that the fleeing bandits were seen openly mourning their losses, an unusual development that residents described as a clear indication of the scale of casualties suffered during the operation. Community members said the outcome has boosted morale among residents who have endured repeated attacks over the years.
Security officials said the operation forms part of an ongoing military campaign to dismantle bandit networks operating across the forests and border regions linking Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi and Zamfara states. The strategy, according to sources, focuses on cutting off escape routes, disrupting hostage movements and targeting high-value commanders believed to be coordinating attacks across state boundaries.
The killing of Dan Gudale is expected to deal a significant blow to bandit operations in the affected areas, given his influence and long-standing role in coordinating armed groups. Analysts note that such commanders often serve as key links between smaller bandit cells, providing weapons, intelligence and logistical support.
Residents of affected communities have called on the military to sustain the momentum and maintain pressure on fleeing bandits to prevent regrouping. They also urged authorities to improve security presence along rural roads and farmlands to allow displaced residents to return to normal economic activities.
While the military has yet to issue a formal statement detailing the full scope of the operation, sources indicated that further clearance operations are ongoing, with troops combing surrounding forests to track remaining fighters and recover abducted victims.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by security agencies to curb banditry, kidnapping and rural violence that have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and regional stability across parts of northern Nigeria.
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