A brutal two-hour gun battle on Sunday ended in the death of Kachalla Danbokolo, a notorious bandit leader and close associate of wanted terrorist Kachalla Bello Turji. The clash occurred in Shinkafi Local Government Area while Danbokolo and his heavily armed fighters were heading toward a forest hideout.

Security sources say Danbokolo was ambushed by a combined force of Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG), Police, DSS, and Joint Task Force operatives. He was reportedly shot in the leg during the exchange, attempted to flee, but was tracked and captured by CPG operatives. Due to heavy blood loss, he was immobilized and later killed, beheaded, and dismembered by the vigilantes.

In total, at least 182 of his fighters were neutralized, including six senior commanders, making it one of the most devastating blows dealt to criminal gangs in the region in recent memory.

Danbokolo, known across the Northwest for his brutal reign, had long been on security watchlists. Locals believe his death could weaken Turji’s network and disrupt future attacks across Zamfara and nearby states.

While authorities have yet to release an official statement, residents of Shinkafi reportedly celebrated the news. Community members praised the courage of the vigilantes and urged continued government support for grassroots security efforts.

Confirming the development, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, Special Adviser on Broadcast Media to Governor Dauda Lawal, stated, “Yes, Danbokolo was killed near the Nigeria-Chad border during a joint operation. Turji has taken a major hit from this, and we’re hopeful his end is near.”

In a related success on June 26, two other feared warlords Kacalla Maijikka and Me Dada were killed by local vigilantes in Garagi village, Maru Local Government Area.

Me Dada, known for orchestrating deadly attacks and mass kidnappings, was ambushed and beheaded during the operation. His comrade, Maijikka, infamous for executing hostages even after ransom payments, was also killed.

These high-profile eliminations mark a major breakthrough in Zamfara’s ongoing fight against banditry, offering a glimmer of hope to communities long scarred by violence.