In a significant victory against banditry in Zamfara State, Nigerian Army troops of Operation Fansan Yanma have captured Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu, a notorious bandit kingpin responsible for years of terror across Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of the state.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, the operation unfolded on Thursday, February 27, in Hegin Mahe, Ruwan Bore, within Mada town, Gusau Local Government Area. The military, acting on intelligence, launched an ambush, leading to a ferocious gunfight that saw several bandits neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Security sources disclosed that Nabamamu initially tried to escape by hiding in nearby homes but was relentlessly pursued and captured alive by the army.
Shortly after their leader’s arrest, Nabamamu’s gang—led by his ruthless associate Bakin Malam—launched a reprisal attack on Chediya, Bamamu, and Makera villages, issuing threats to dislodge residents if he was not released.
However, Nigerian troops responded with superior firepower, swiftly repelling the attackers and preventing further security breaches. The military reinforced its presence with both air and ground troops, securing the area and intensifying intelligence operations to track down fleeing gang members.
Born in Tsafe, Gidan Alhaji Kaduna, Nabamamu began as an Almajiri before attending Model Primary School, Tsafe. He later moved to Bamamu village, initially engaging in cattle rearing before venturing into crime.
For over 30 years, Nabamamu built a fearsome reputation, starting as an armed robber before evolving into one of the first Fulani men to publicly embrace large-scale banditry in Zamfara.
His first major act of terror was leading a deadly armed robbery attack on the home of Sani Dan Kyaso, leaving a trail of bloodshed. Over the years, he overshadowed even the infamous bandit leader Ado Alero, warning rivals like Dan Isuhu to stay out of his self-acclaimed territory.
As the head of a well-armed militia, Nabamamu’s wave of terror spread across several communities, including:
Makera, Chediya, Agama Lafiya, Singawa, Yalwa, Rekebu, Fegen Baza, Danmarke, and Sabon Fege
Areas near Setraco Company in Tsafe town
The Gusau-Tsafe highway, which he turned into a death trap for travelers
His gang was notorious for kidnappings, extortion, and mass killings, imposing millions of naira in levies on villages in Tsafe LGA and ruthlessly punishing those who failed to comply.
Nabamamu was not just a local menace—he was a key figure in the larger banditry network. His deep ties with weapons traffickers allowed him to secure sophisticated arms from suppliers linked to foreign terror networks.
Intelligence reports indicate he played a major role in coordinating arms supply chains for criminal groups operating in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Niger states.
His gang also relied on informants embedded within communities to track security forces’ movements and identify high-value kidnap targets. Security sources further revealed that he built an extensive financial network, using ransom proceeds to fund operations and strengthen alliances with other bandit groups.
With Nabamamu now in military custody, Zamfara State and its neighboring regions may finally witness a turning point in the war against banditry. However, security forces remain on high alert, determined to dismantle his entire criminal network and ensure that the shadow of terror he cast over the region is permanently erased.
As the Nigerian Army intensifies its offensive against bandit strongholds, this latest breakthrough signals a resounding message: No criminal, no matter how powerful, is beyond the reach of justice.
PIONEER NEWS 