Kachalla ‘Yellow’ Ɗanbokolo, a notorious bandit kingpin and trusted lieutenant of Kachalla Turji, has been killed alongside six other bandit commanders in Zamfara State’s Shinkafi local government area.
The deadly clash occurred on Sunday when the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) engaged the gang in a fierce gun battle. Sources confirmed that Ɗanbokolo, long feared across the North-West, was behind numerous deadly raids linked to Turji’s network in communities spanning Sabon-Birni, Isa, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Shinkafi, Raɓa, and the Gundumi Forest.
Described by some locals as even more formidable than Turji due to his fighters’ numbers and firepower, Ɗanbokolo met his end when CPG operatives ambushed his group as they headed towards a forest hideout. He was initially shot in the leg and tried to flee, but his injuries worsened as he bled heavily. After a desperate attempt by his men to get him medical help failed, he was eventually cornered by the CPG, who killed and dismembered him.
The intense firefight, which lasted about two hours, reportedly left 182 bandit foot soldiers dead. News of Ɗanbokolo’s death sparked celebrations among the Shinkafi Volunteer Forces as well as residents who had long lived in fear of his brutal attacks and mass kidnappings.
“He was ruthless and merciless. He terrorized villages, abducted families, and destroyed livelihoods. His death has brought relief to many communities”, one source said.
Another local source said Turji was deeply shaken by the loss of his trusted ally. “Ɗanbokolo was Turji’s backbone. Losing him is a big blow. We hear that Turji is now confused and considering escaping to the Niger Republic, or even Chad”.
The source added that the on-going military operation, coupled with the shutdown of GSM networks, has crippled the bandits’ ability to coordinate reinforcements. “If the network hadn’t been suspended, they would have called for help from other camps”.
Security operatives involved in the ambush included personnel from the Joint Task Force, the CPG, the Police, and the Department of State Services, (DSS).
For many residents, the hope is that this major breakthrough marks the beginning of the end for banditry in Zamfara and neighbouring States.
