A notorious bandit kingpin identified as Kachalla Mu’azu and six members of his gang have reportedly been killed in a clash between rival armed groups in Zamfara State.
Counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a statement shared on X, saying the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, near Mada in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.
According to the statement, Mu’azu and his associates were returning from Yankara Market when they were ambushed by members of a rival group who had reportedly positioned themselves along their route.
The ensuing gun battle allegedly led to the death of Mu’azu and six members of his gang.
Makama said Mu’azu was a prominent bandit commander allegedly linked to criminal activities and attacks on communities in Gusau and other parts of Zamfara, as well as neighbouring Katsina State.
His reported death could affect the activities of armed groups operating around the Gusau axis, although it remains uncertain whether the development will result in any immediate improvement in the security situation.
Mada, where the incident reportedly occurred, is a settlement in the eastern part of Gusau Local Government Area, about 32 kilometres from Gusau town. Yankara is located along the Gusau-Funtua axis.
Security agencies are expected to maintain surveillance in the area and investigate the circumstances surrounding the clash and the identities of the rival groups involved