BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
A notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Sani Black that has been terrorising Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi State, as well as neighbouring countries is dead.
Black, a feared warlord responsible for countless terror attacks, was ambushed and killed by local vigilantes, supported by the military in Magama Mai Rake area of Maru Local Government Area in the state.
Security Analyst, Zagazola Makama confirmed his death via his X handle on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, noting that two of Black's sons were killed during the operation.
Makama, who also doubles as Counter Insurgency Expert for Lake Chad in West Africa, said that the vigilantes recovered two AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, and an undisclosed amount of cash from the scene.
Narrating the downfall of the bandit leader, he said: "On the morning of September 24, 2024, following information about the clash between vigilantes and terrorists in the Tashar Sahabi area, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hanutara were deployed to the scene to prevent potential reprisal attacks by the terrorists.
"Upon arrival, they identified the body of Sani Black but soon came under heavy fire from terrorists in the vicinity.
"As the firefight intensified, a Combat Support Vehicle (CSK) bogged down in the village, leaving the soldiers vulnerable.
"Despite reinforcements being mobilized from Team 3 headquarters in Magami and FOB Dansadau, the troops were temporarily withdrawn. The CSK was destroyed, and two soldiers were Wounded In Action (WIA).
Zagazola informed that Black’s death is a significant victory for security forces and local vigilantes in the ongoing battle against banditry in the state.
He described Black as a major competitor to another infamous bandit leader, Kachallah Gwaska Dankarami, whose influence in the region was unmatched.
The security analyst hinted that Black’s ability to wreak havoc across multiple states, had earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous criminals in the North West.
Black had for long tormented communities across northern Zamfara, known for leading deadly attacks, abductions, and sexual violence.
With over 150 armed followers, his reign of terror extended beyond Zamfara to neighboring Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi States.
Black's criminal activities included orchestrating ambushes, kidnapping for ransom, and raiding villages across the region.
Zamfara is one of the states in the Northwest worst hit by conflict between farmers and herdsmen, which intensified and transformed into banditry.
From 2015 to 2024, over 10, 000 were killed and 400, 000 displaced in 50 Zamfara communities including security agents.
In April 2021, the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle stated that bandits collected N970,000,000 million as ransom from victims’ families between 2011 and 2019.
In addition, hundreds of adults, children and animals had died in the state through lead poisoning and flooding.
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