Troops kill bandit leader Kachallah, 44 others as three soldiers die in Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 45 suspected bandits, including a notorious commander identified as Kachallah Alti, during a fierce gun battle in **Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation, which followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits operating between **Katsina State and neighbouring Zamfara State, resulted in the death of two prominent bandit leaders — Kachallah Alti and another commander known as Damale.

Security sources said the troops engaged the bandits in a fierce confrontation while the criminals were advancing toward communities in the area.

According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the clash occurred after bandits riding motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons attacked **Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5, rustling cattle belonging to residents.

Local community members, supported by some repentant bandits in the area, reportedly resisted the attack. During the confrontation, four of the bandits were killed and the stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.

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However, security sources said the bandits later regrouped and returned in larger numbers on March 6, allegedly to launch a reprisal attack against the community.

While advancing toward **Musawa through Maidabino A Ward, the armed men reportedly encountered troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Dan Ali in **Danmusa Local Government Area.

This led to an intense exchange of gunfire between the troops and the bandits, during which the soldiers overpowered the attackers and neutralised 45 of them.

Among those killed was Kachallah Alti, believed to be a nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit kingpin Adamu Alieru, who has long been linked to several violent attacks and kidnappings across north-west Nigeria.

Security sources said Alti had recently taken on a more prominent operational role within the bandit network following the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who was previously killed by security forces during earlier counter-banditry operations.

He was also reportedly responsible for coordinating several violent attacks on communities, particularly along the **Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Despite the success of the operation, the military also recorded casualties as three soldiers were killed during the encounter with the heavily armed bandits.

Security sources said troops have intensified follow-up operations in the affected areas to track down fleeing members of the gang and dismantle the remaining bandit networks operating across Katsina and Zamfara states.

The development is part of ongoing military offensives aimed at curbing banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping that have plagued communities across north-west Nigeria in recent years.

Troops kill bandit leader Kachallah, 44 others as three soldiers die in Katsina

Ex‑Otukpo LG Chairman Shot Dead as Fresh Attacks Kill 12 in Benue

Gunmen have assassinated a former Local Government Area chairman in Otukpo, Benue State, as violence continues to escalate in the region, with a separate attack in Kwande Local Government Area claiming at least 12 lives and leaving several others injured.

On Thursday night, Honourable Udeh Ijachi, a former caretaker chairman of Otukpo LGA, was gunned down in front of Okabido Hotel, where he was lodging. Eyewitnesses said the assailants approached him, fired multiple shots at close range, and fled immediately, leaving residents in shock. Ijachi’s younger brother, Ejeh Ijachi, had also been killed under similar circumstances in September 2025, highlighting a disturbing trend of targeted killings in the area. Ijachi had survived several prior assassination attempts following a 2017 crisis that claimed eight lives, including that of a former state PDP chairman, Maj Lawrence Ugboh (retd).

Confirming the attack, Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri described the killing as “shocking, painful, and unacceptable” and urged security agencies to investigate thoroughly to prevent further incidents. He noted the brazen nature of the assassination, emphasizing the need for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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In a related and violent incident, at least 12 people were killed in attacks on villages in Kwande LGA, including Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in the Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable,” extending condolences to the families of the victims and affirming his administration’s commitment to restoring peace. He called on residents to cooperate with security forces while ensuring the deployment of additional personnel to conflict-prone areas like Jato Aka and surrounding communities.

Residents described horrifying attacks by suspected herdsmen, forcing men, women, children, and the elderly to flee their homes in panic. Some victims were injured, while others remain missing. Named victims of the Kwande attacks include Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terease, Liambee Yohane, Tordue Dooshima, Akule John, Adezamber Gyuse, and Terundu Tyozuur. Survivors are currently receiving medical treatment, with some still in critical condition.

These twin incidents underscore the escalating insecurity in Benue State, where clashes between armed groups, suspected herdsmen, and local communities continue to claim lives and displace residents. Authorities and community leaders are calling for urgent and coordinated security interventions to protect citizens, restore peace, and address the underlying causes of violence, including land disputes, herding conflicts, and ethnic tensions.

Ex‑Otukpo LG Chairman Shot Dead as Fresh Attacks Kill 12 in Benue

Nigeria Immigration Service Denies Connection as Cleric Scams Nigerians in US

A growing number of Nigerians living in the United States have fallen victim to a suspected passport scam allegedly orchestrated by a Texas-based man identified only as “KO”, who claims to be a Prophet of the Most High God. The suspect reportedly defrauded citizens under the guise of a “Passport Intervention Program”, claiming connections with the Nigeria Consulate in Atlanta. KO is said to operate through a Texas-registered company, Global Tours and Partyride LLC, promoting fast-tracked passport processing and visa facilitation for fees ranging from $500 to over $800. Victims allege that after collecting payments — some as far back as October 2024 — KO ceased all communications and failed to deliver the promised passports or services.

Several victims have recounted how KO exploited the credibility of the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, advertising his services under the consulate’s name to gain trust. One victim, Tobi Jaji, said on social media: “I paid for my passport and never got it.” Another, Isaac Olorunisola, described KO as a “scammer of the highest order”, whose actions have damaged the reputation of pastors and community leaders. Attempts to locate KO at his provided Texas address or via phone were unsuccessful, with victims reporting that he disconnected his lines and disappeared. The scandal has also highlighted frustrations with consulate services, with victims claiming slow responses or ignored communications made them more vulnerable to the fraud. Some have attempted to seek recourse through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local police, and Nigerian government channels, with limited success.

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed that KO is not an employee or authorized agent and has denounced his activities. A senior NIS official explained that passport applications are largely digital and should be completed through the official online portal, warning Nigerians not to rely on third-party intermediaries. “People have been using this online option successfully. You just visit our website and follow the necessary prompts. Do not pay anyone claiming to be our agent,” the official said. The service also indicated it is tracking KO and launching a sensitization campaign to inform Nigerians in the diaspora of legitimate procedures.

Immigration specialists advise Nigerians in the US to apply directly through official consulate channels and avoid any individuals promising expedited or guaranteed services. Payments should only be made online through verified portals. Victims are encouraged to report fraud attempts to both US authorities and the Nigeria Immigration Service to prevent further exploitation.

Nigeria Immigration Service Denies Connection as Cleric Scams Nigerians in US