Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralized notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu, also known as Hassan Dantawaye, after he attempted to escape and disarm a soldier while being transported to Gusau town, Zamfara State.

Security analyst, Zagazola Makama report that Nabamamu, a long-time terror figure in Tsafe and Mada local government areas, was captured during a fierce gun battle in Mada, Tsafe LGA on February 27, 2025.

He was being transported from Tsafe to Gusau in the early hours of February 28, when he tried to overpower a soldier, prompting the troops to neutralize him immediately.

Additionally, troops ambushed and killed two other top bandit commanders, Na-Allah and Dogo Basullube, who sustained injuries in combat before succumbing during the military operation.

Intelligence reports indicated that a large group of heavily armed bandits has moved out from Danjibga, Keta, and Kwaren Ganuwa forests and is advancing toward Tsafe town, allegedly planning a reprisal attack following Nabamamu’s death.

Military official, who spoke anonymously, assured that the armed forces were fully prepared to repel any assault.

“We have received credible intelligence that one of the bandit commanders, Bakin Malam, is mobilizing fighters for a revenge attack. However, we are ready for them. Tsafe will be their graveyard. We are closing in from all directions, and they won’t see us coming," the source said.

The military has reinforced its presence in Tsafe and surrounding areas, deploying additional troops and air support to counter any insurgent movement.

Nabamamu had long been one of the most feared bandit leaders in Zamfara, orchestrating mass kidnappings, extortions, and deadly attacks on civilians and security forces. He was a known associate of other notorious warlords and reportedly controlled over 100 heavily armed fighters.

Over the years, his gang was responsible for countless attacks on villages along the Gusau-Tsafe highway, including targeted assaults on communities such as Makera, Chediya, Agama Lafiya, Singawa, Yalwa, and Rekebu.

He was also linked to the imposition of illegal taxes on communities in Tsafe LGA, forcing residents to pay huge sums under the threat of death.

With his neutralization, security experts believe that bandit operations in Zamfara will suffer a major setback, as he was a key figure coordinating attacks across multiple locations.

The Nigerian military, through Operation FANSAN YANMA, has intensified its operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi states in recent weeks.

The coordinated land and air offensive has led to the elimination of several high-profile bandit leaders and the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims.