Troops of 8 Division of Nigerian Army have neutralised a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
A reliable source from the security operatives disclosed this on Tuesday in Sokoto.
The source, who pleaded for anonymity said Kallamu, a close associate and senior lieutenant of the notorious bandits’ leader Bello Turji, was killed in collaboration with local vigilantes in the area.
The credible source confirmed that Kallamu was neutralised alongside one of the Turji’s major logistics supplier in the early hours of Monday, around Karawa village, during the major offensive operation by gallant troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army.
Kallamu hailed from Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni LGA, known to be operating within the area causing significant distress to local communities in the state.
It was gathered that Kallamu had recently returned to the area after fleeing a previous military onslaught in June 2025, during which he was believed to have sought refuge in Kogi.
The Special Adviser on Security Matters, to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu, retired Col. Ahmad Usman and other citizens had commended the Nigerian Army for the significant success recorded against banditry in the state.
Usman said the troops had successfully neutralised several bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area who attempted to ambush traders travelling from Tarah village to the weekly market.
”The swift response, professionalism, and courage displayed by our military personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident and once again reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our people.
”The state government deeply appreciates this effort and acknowledges the consistent sacrifices being made by our security forces, ” Usman said.
The Nigerian Army had neutralised 13 suspected bandits and recovered their weapons in Tarah and Karawa communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
According to the residents, soldiers stationed in Kurawa near Kwanan Kimbo had engaged the terrorists in a gun battle that lasted for hours on Monday.
A source from the community, who pleaded for anonymity told NAN on Tuesday that the soldiers ambushed the terrorists and later followed them to their enclave.
“The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits later retreated and fled to their enclave across the stream.
“We counted nine bodies of the terrorists in our area, and another four were found in the nearby the bush along the stream.
” Soldiers also recovered several weapons and took them to Karawa,” the source said.
A reliable source from the army had earlier confirmed the encounter and told NAN that it was a fierce gun battle by the gallant troops where they neutralised several terrorists.
The source said that there was no casualty on the side of the army, adding that eight AK 47 rifles and large number of ammunition were recovered from the bandits.
The source though not authorised to speak on the matter, however, revealed the terrorists suffered heavy defeat and the operation was conducted by the Operation Fansan Yamma.
The source confirmed that bandits had also attacked Gatawa community, faced by local vigilante group members and a team of military men engaged them and overpowered the terrorists.
Some residents of Karawa and neighbouring villages celebrated the military’s successes and appealed for the continuation of the operation to salvage the communities from all forms of attacks
Also, the member representing Sabon Birni Local Government in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Boza, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the terrorists had been seen.
Boza said that more searches were ongoing.
NAN further recalls that Gatawa village and some nearby communities of Sabon Birni Local Government Area had suffered attacks from bandit.
