A notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, known for his brutal reign across parts of Zamfara and Sokoto states, has been confirmed dead alongside six other top commanders during a fierce gun battle with security operatives in Zamfara State’s Shinkafi Local Government Area.
According to sources close to the operation, Danbokolo and his men were intercepted on Sunday by operatives of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) while en route to a forest hideout.
The ensuing confrontation lasted roughly two hours, ending with the death of Danbokolo, his six lieutenants, and no fewer than 182 of their foot soldiers.
A source familiar with the operation disclosed that Danbokolo initially sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, prompting a desperate attempt by his men to seek medical assistance across several villages.
However, locals reportedly refused to treat him, leading to his death from excessive blood loss. He was later captured by CPG operatives and gruesomely executed on the spot.
“We’re relieved. He was a brutal figure behind countless atrocities in our communities,” one local source stated.
“He abducted, killed, and terrorised without remorse.”
Danbokolo was a close associate of infamous warlord Kachalla Bello Turji.
Security insiders described him as not just a loyal ally but potentially Turji’s superior in terms of firepower and operational influence.
Multiple sources revealed that Danbokolo had orchestrated attacks in numerous areas including Sabon Birni, Isa, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Raba, and deep into the Gundumi Forest.
“His death is a massive blow to Turji,” a source revealed.
“We’re hearing he’s shaken and contemplating fleeing to the Niger Republic or even Chad, as coordinated military operations and restricted GSM services are severely hindering the bandits’ ability to regroup or communicate.”
Intelligence reports confirmed that Danbokolo had summoned several bandit leaders for a meeting to plan reprisal attacks following recent military offensives.
However, security agents, including the Joint Task Force, CPG, Police, and Department of State Services, intercepted the plot and launched a pre-emptive ambush.
“He led a planned assault on Shinkafi, but the authorities struck first,” another insider noted. “When defeat became inevitable, the remaining fighters scattered into the forest under heavy pursuit.”
Danbokolo, reportedly responsible for the assassination of Sarkin Gobir Muhammad Bawa, had long terrorised communities in Sokoto East, northern Zamfara, and even parts of the Niger Republic.
Residents expressed a mix of shock and relief. “He was the real engine behind Turji’s crimes,” one local told reporters. “With him gone, the tide may finally be turning.”
The Special Adviser to Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal on Broadcast Media, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, confirmed the development, saying Danbokolo was neutralised near the Nigeria–Chad border.
He added that the state government is optimistic that Turji himself may soon be captured or eliminated.
“Danbokolo’s death has shaken the bandits’ command structure. Turji has lost one of his most dangerous enforcers,” Kaura said.
Despite this breakthrough, Zamfara State continues to endure a wave of violent attacks.
Villages in Shinkafi, Maru, Tsafe, Zurmi, and Anka LGAs have recently come under siege, with bandits launching coordinated raids on motorcycles, razing homes, abducting residents, and driving mass displacement.
In Tsafe, over 30 people were reportedly killed in a night raid, while dozens of houses were burned in Zurmi.
Families, including women and children, have been taken hostage as local farmers abandon their fields out of fear, aggravating food shortages across the region.
Security agencies have ramped up operations in response to these threats, with recent victories offering hope to traumatised communities desperate for an end to years of terror.