By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have captured Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu, a notorious bandit kingpin responsible for terrorizing communities in Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region gathered from security sources that the operation, conducted by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, took place on February 27 at Hegin Mahe, Ruwan Bore in Mada town, Gusau Local Government Area.
Troops launched a well-coordinated ambush, leading to a fierce gun battle in which several bandits were neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The kingpin initially fled into nearby homes but was pursued and captured alive by the security forces.
Hours after his arrest, his gang members, led by Bakin Malam, launched a reprisal attack on Chediya, Bamamu, and Makera villages, issuing threats to dislodge residents if Nabamamu was not released. The attack forced many residents to flee their homes in fear.
However, The Nigerian troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, repelling the bandits and preventing further breach of security. Additional both Air and Land troops were deployed to secure the area and prevent further incursions, while intelligence operations continue to track down fleeing gang members.
Nabamamu, originally from Tsafe, Gidan Alhaji Kaduna, started as an Almajiri before attending Model Primary School, Tsafe. He later relocated to Bamamu village, where he engaged in cattle rearing. For over 30 years, he was involved in armed robbery and later became one of the first Fulani men to openly embrace large-scale banditry in Zamfara.
He first gained notoriety after leading an armed robbery attack on the home of Sani Dan Kyaso, orchestrating multiple murders in the process. Security sources describe him as deadlier than the infamous bandit leader Ado Alero, often warning other criminals such as Dan Isuhu to stay out of his self acclaimed territory.
Nabamamu commanded a large group of fighters, carrying out brutal attacks on villages including Makera, Chediya, Agama Lafiya, Singawa, Yalwa, Rekebu, Fegen Baza, Danmarke, and Sabon Fege, as well as locations near Setraco Company in Tsafe town. His gang was also responsible for numerous kidnappings along the Gusau-Tsafe highway, turning the route into a deadly zone for travelers.
Nabamamu worked closely with other top bandit leaders, including Bakin Malam, Kachallah Mal Tukur, and Kachallah Baldu, controlling at least 100 heavily armed fighters. He imposed millions of naira in levies on villages in Tsafe LGA, ruthlessly punishing communities that failed to pay.
Security sources revealed that Nabamamu had deep ties with weapons traffickers, often securing arms from suppliers linked to foreign terror networks. Intelligence reports indicate that he was involved in coordinating supply chains that provided sophisticated firearms to criminal groups operating in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Niger states.
His gang was also notorious for using informants within local communities to track movements of security forces and high-value kidnap targets. Investigations suggest that he had an extensive financial network, using ransom proceeds to fund operations and maintain strong alliances with other bandit groups.
The arrest of Nabamamu is expected to significantly weaken the operational network of bandit groups in Zamfara. It is believed that dismantling his leadership structure could lead to the rescue of kidnapped victims still held by his gang.
Military operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA have intensified in recent weeks, with coordinated land and air offensives eliminating several high-profile bandits and rescuing hostages from their enclaves in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
Military officials vowed that the offensive will continue until all major bandit leaders are neutralized and peace is restored to the region.
Residents of Mada, Tsafe, and surrounding areas who have been terrorized for many years welcomed the news of Nabamamu’s arrest, expressing hope that security will improve and banditry will be brought under control.
