Troops in partnership with local vigilantes have killed a bandit leader, Sani Black in Zamfara State.
Security expert, Zagazola Makama announced the elimination of Black in a report on his official website on Tuesday morning.
“A major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in northern Nigeria was recorded with the elimination of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Sani Black,” Makama said.
“Black, a feared warlord responsible for countless terror attacks, was ambushed and killed by local vigilantes supported by military in the Magama Mai Rake area of Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
“It was gathered that Black and two of his sons were killed during the operation. The vigilantes recovered two AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun and an undisclosed amount of cash from the scene.”
According to Makama, Black had long been a menace to communities across northern Zamfara, known for leading deadly attacks, abductions and sexual violence.
With over 150 armed followers, his reign of terror extended beyond Zamfara to neighboring Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi States.
His criminal activities included orchestrating ambushes, kidnapping for ransom and raiding villages across the region.
“On the morning of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, following information about the clash between vigilantes and terrorists in the Tashar Sahabi area, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hanutara were deployed to the scene to prevent potential reprisal attacks by the terrorists,” Makama explained.
“Upon arrival, they identified the body of Sani Black but soon came under heavy fire from terrorists in the vicinity.
“As the firefight intensified, a Combat Support Vehicle (CSK) bogged down in the village, leaving the soldiers vulnerable.
“Despite reinforcements being mobilized from Team 3 HQ in Magami and FOB Dansadau, the troops were temporarily withdrawn. The CSK was destroyed, and two soldiers were wounded in action (WIA).”
Makama said Black’s death is a significant victory for security forces and local vigilantes in their ongoing battle against banditry in Zamfara State.
He said Black had been a major competitor to another infamous bandit leader, Kachallah Gwaska Dankarami and his influence in the region was unmatched.
His ability to wreak havoc across multiple states had earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous criminals in the North West.
In the aftermath of Black’s death, intelligence reports indicate that bandit leaders, including Gwaska Dankarami and fighters from the late Kawaje group, are mobilizing around Kuran Mota to launch reprisal attacks.
Security forces are on high alert, prepared to counter any retaliatory measures as they work to stabilize the region.
