Pix: Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have captured Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu, a notorious bandit leader responsible for terrorizing communities in Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of Zamfara State.

The operation, which took place on Thursday at Hegin Mahe, Ruwan Bore in Mada town, Gusau Local Government Area, was a well-coordinated ambush that led to a fierce gun battle.

Several bandits were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Nabamamu initially fled into nearby homes but was pursued and captured alive by security forces.

This development was contained in a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Friday, who gathered details from military sources.

“His arrest is a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in Zamfara. For years, Nabamamu led deadly attacks, kidnappings, and extortion operations that made life unbearable for communities,” Makama stated.

Hours after his arrest, his gang, led by Bakin Malam, launched a reprisal attack on Chediya, Bamamu, and Makera villages, issuing threats to dislodge residents if Nabamamu was not released.

Many residents fled in fear, but the Nigerian troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, repelling the attackers and restoring calm to the area.

According to military sources, Nabamamu, originally from Tsafe, had a long history of criminal activities.

“He started as an armed robber before fully embracing large-scale banditry. He was deadlier than some of the most feared bandit leaders in Zamfara,” a security source disclosed.

Nabamamu commanded over 100 heavily armed fighters and was deeply involved in weapons trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.

He also had strong ties with other top bandit leaders, including Bakin Malam, Kachallah Mal Tukur, and Kachallah Baldu.

Military authorities believe that his arrest will significantly weaken bandit operations in Zamfara and neighboring states.