Nigerian troops have successfully captured Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu, a notorious bandit kingpin known for terrorizing communities in Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of Zamfara State. The operation, part of the ongoing efforts of Operation FANSAR YANMA, took place on February 27 in the Gusau Local Government Area of the state.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the troops launched a well-coordinated ambush, leading to a fierce gun battle in which several bandits were neutralized. Despite initial attempts to flee into nearby homes, Nabamamu was captured alive. His gang members, led by Bakin Malam, retaliated with a violent attack on Chediya, Bamamu, and Makera villages, threatening to dislodge the residents if Nabamamu was not released. This led to panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
Makama reported that Nigerian troops quickly responded with superior firepower, repelling the bandits and securing the area. Both air and land troops were deployed to ensure the safety of the region, while intelligence operations continue to track down the fleeing gang members.
Nabamamu, a native of Tsafe, Gidan Alhaji Kaduna, was involved in criminal activities for over 30 years. Initially starting as an Almajiri, he later became notorious for armed robbery and banditry. His rise to infamy began after he led an armed robbery attack on the home of Sani Dan Kyaso, during which multiple murders occurred. Security sources describe Nabamamu as being even deadlier than the notorious bandit leader Ado Alero, warning other criminals to stay out of his self-proclaimed territory.
The successful capture of Nabamamu is a significant victory in the fight against banditry and criminal activities in Zamfara State and the Lake Chad region.