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Turji’s ally, Danbokolo, 6 bandit commanders, 182 others killed in Zamfara

Published

9 months ago

July 1, 2025

Turji’s ally, Danbokolo, 6 bandit commanders, 182 others killed in Zamfara

Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, a notorious bandit and close ally of Kachalla Turji, and six bandit commanders, have been killed in a village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

They were eliminated during a gun battle with operatives of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) on Sunday, a source told Daily Trust.

Danbokolo is widely regarded as one of the most feared bandits in the North West.

Sources said the gunfight, which lasted for two hours, also resulted in the deaths of 182 bandit foot soldiers.

“Danbokolo was killed by personnel of the Zamfara CPG. The operatives ambushed his gang while they were en route to a forest. He was first shot in the leg and tried to escape, but the CPG team continued pursuing him.

“Due to the severity of the injury, he lost a lot of blood and was eventually unable to move. When the CPG operatives caught up with him, they beheaded and dismembered him.

“We are happy that this ruthless bandit is dead. He was wicked and heartless, showing no mercy when attacking villages. He abducted numerous people from surrounding communities,” a source said.

Another source added that after Danbokolo was shot, his foot soldiers carried him across several villages in search of medical help, but he ultimately died as no one agreed to treat him.

Daily Trust gathered that Danbokolo was a key ally and criminal partner of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Bello Turji.

Some sources said due to the numerical strength of his fighters and weapons, Danbokolo was considered Turji’s superior.

Multiple sources confirmed to Daily Trust that Danbokolo masterminded many of the attacks linked to Turji across Sabon Birni, Isa, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Shinkafi, Raba, and the Gundumi Forest.

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One of the sources said, “Kachalla Turji was devastated and weakened by Danbokolo’s death. He was a pillar of strength in Turji’s operations. Though six other commanders were also killed, Danbokolo’s death hit Turji the hardest.

“Information reaching us indicates that Turji is confused and reportedly planning to flee to the Niger Republic, and possibly to Chad. The ongoing joint military operation by Nigerian forces is seriously impacting the bandits, especially with the suspension of GSM services, which has severely disrupted their communication.

“If the network were still active, the bandits would have called for reinforcements from across the state and even beyond.”

Another source revealed that the bandits were ambushed by a joint team of security operatives comprising personnel from the Joint Task Force, Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG), the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The source explained, “We received information that Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo had invited six other bandit leaders to plan coordinated attacks on major towns and villages in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

“Danbokolo was said to have led the planned operation, which was likely intended as a reprisal for the losses Turji’s group suffered last week.

“However, acting on intelligence, the security forces set up an ambush and engaged them in a gunfight. During the exchange, Danbokolo and the six commanders were killed.

“As defeat loomed, the remaining bandits tried to retreat into the forest, but security forces pursued and sustained the offensive.”

Another source said “Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo was responsible for the abduction and killing of Sarkin Gobir Muhammad Bawa.

“He also masterminded numerous attacks in Sokoto East and parts of Zamfara, particularly the Shinkafi axis. He had been terrorising towns and villages in Sokoto, Zamfara, and parts of the Niger Republic for several years, abducting and killing countless people.

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“We thank God he’s finally dead. Our hope now is that Bello Turji will be the next to fall. We want this era of banditry to end once and for all.”

A resident expressed relief and joy over Danbokolo’s death, saying “We are in a celebratory mood. It’s almost unbelievable that Danbokolo, whose name used to strike fear into our hearts, is finally gone.

“I can confidently say he was the real commander behind the scenes. Turji merely relayed messages, but Danbokolo executed the atrocities.

“It wasn’t just Danbokolo who was killed, at least 180 of his loyal fighters were also eliminated and buried over the past week. Many others have fled. We see them fleeing after every raid on their camps,” he added.

Confirming the death of Kachalla Danbokolo, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, Special Adviser to Governor Dauda Lawal on Broadcast Media, said the notorious bandit was killed in a village in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

“Yes, it’s true, Danbokolo was killed near the Nigeria-Chad border during a joint security operation. I can confirm that Bello Turji has been significantly weakened by this development.

“We are optimistic that Turji will be captured or killed soon. Nigerian troops have already dealt him a major blow, and his days are numbered,” Kaura said.

Bandits have been carrying out a series of vicious attacks across villages in Zamfara State, leading to dozens of deaths, widespread displacement, and the destruction of homes, markets, and farmlands.

In recent weeks, communities in Shinkafi, Maru, Tsafe, Zurmi, and Anka local government areas have witnessed coordinated assaults by heavily armed gangs, who often arrive on motorcycles, setting villages ablaze and abducting residents for ransom.

One of the most devastating incidents occurred earlier this month when over 30 people were reportedly killed in a nighttime raid on a village in Tsafe LGA. In another attack in Zurmi, dozens of homes were torched, and several residents, including women and children, were abducted.

Similar patterns of violence have also been recorded in the Shinkafi axis, where security operatives recently neutralised notorious bandit leaders.

These attacks have left many rural communities in a state of panic, with residents fleeing en masse to safer areas.

Farmers have also abandoned their fields for fear of being attacked, further worsening food insecurity in the state.

Turji’s ally, Danbokolo, 6 bandit commanders, 182 others killed in Zamfara

Related Topics:bandit commanders Danbokolo Featured Zamfara

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JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

Published

5 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Trends Admin

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

The Federal Government has released a list of 48 individuals and organisations alleged to be involved in terrorism financing in Nigeria, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt funding networks linked to insecurity across the country.

The list was published on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), the inter-agency body responsible for enforcing financial sanctions in line with Nigeria’s counter-terrorism financing (CTF) and anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks.

According to the committee, the designated individuals and entities are suspected of providing financial, logistical, or operational support to terrorist organisations operating in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East and other security-affected regions.

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Security and financial intelligence sources said the designation is part of strengthened efforts to enforce targeted financial sanctions against terrorism sponsors, in line with Nigeria’s obligations under international security and financial monitoring standards. The sanctions framework allows authorities to impose measures such as asset freezes, restrictions on financial transactions, and travel limitations on individuals and organisations identified as being involved in terrorism financing activities.

Officials said the move is aimed at cutting off funding channels that support insurgent groups and separatist-linked violence in affected parts of the country. The Nigeria Sanctions Committee explained that the publication of the list is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security by targeting the financial infrastructure behind terrorism.

It added that identifying and sanctioning individuals linked to terrorist financing is crucial to weakening the operational capacity of groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces. Authorities also stressed that the listings are part of ongoing investigations and do not replace judicial proceedings, noting that further legal and enforcement actions may follow where evidence is established.

The development comes amid intensified military operations against insurgent groups across the country, as well as increased coordination between security agencies and financial regulators to monitor suspicious transactions and disrupt illicit funding flows.

Officials reiterated that combating terrorism requires both military action and sustained efforts to dismantle the financial networks supporting terrorism in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government has not issued additional details beyond the published list, while reactions are expected from some of the individuals and organisations named.

JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

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42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

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April 11, 2026

Trends Admin

42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

A 42-year-old woman declared missing in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has been found in a hotel room in Ugbe-Akoko, sparking widespread reactions and renewed concerns over the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

The woman reportedly left her matrimonial home in Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area without informing her husband or family members, prompting fears that she had been abducted or harmed.

Her husband was said to have raised the alarm after repeated attempts to reach her failed, leading to concern among relatives and residents of the community. The development triggered a search effort as anxiety grew over her whereabouts.

According to sources familiar with the case, the woman was later traced to Ugbe-Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government Area, located about 124 kilometres from Ilara-Mokin. The journey between both locations typically takes over two hours by road.

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She was reportedly discovered in a hotel in the area in the company of a 55-year-old man. Both individuals were taken in for questioning by relevant authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding their presence at the location.

Preliminary findings suggest that the woman may not have been abducted as initially feared but might have left home voluntarily without informing her family. However, officials are still working to establish the full details surrounding her movement and activities before she was found.

The incident has generated mixed reactions among residents of both communities, with many expressing shock, confusion, and concern over the circumstances that led to her disappearance and eventual discovery in a hotel.

Security agencies are continuing investigations to determine whether any offence was committed and to clarify the nature of the relationship between the woman and the man found with her.

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42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

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ADC Threatens Civil Disobedience To Force INEC Chairman To Resign

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April 11, 2026

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

ADC Threatens Civil Disobedience To Force INEC Chairman To Resign

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of political bias linked to controversial old social media posts, while also threatening civil disobedience if he remains in office.

The opposition party said its position follows growing concerns about the neutrality of the electoral body ahead of future elections, insisting that the credibility of the electoral process in Nigeria must not be compromised.

The controversy centres on alleged archived posts on X (formerly Twitter) attributed to an account bearing Amupitan’s name, which critics claim contained expressions perceived as supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The allegations gained wider attention after US-based Nigerian scholar Farooq Kperogi referenced the purported posts in a public commentary, arguing that they raise questions about the independence of INEC leadership. The claims have since sparked heated debate across social media, with supporters of the electoral commission questioning their authenticity while critics insist they undermine public trust in the institution.

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In response, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, cautioned against misinformation and impersonation, warning that cybercriminals may be using fake accounts to circulate false narratives. He reaffirmed that INEC remains committed to delivering free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, urging the public to rely only on verified communication channels from the commission.

Reacting to the controversy, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the allegations as a serious breach of public trust and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity, arguing that an electoral umpire must not only be neutral but must also be seen to be unquestionably impartial. According to him, the allegations—if proven true—undermine confidence in the leadership of the electoral body. Abdullahi further alleged attempts to manipulate or alter digital records linked to the controversy, describing the situation as a “calculated assault on truth and accountability.”

He said: “The referee cannot be running around in the shirt of one of the teams he is supposed to officiate.” The ADC insisted that Prof. Amupitan must resign immediately, warning that failure to do so would trigger escalated action, including civil disobedience protests across Nigeria. The party also said it would update petitions to relevant professional and international bodies, including the Nigeria Bar Association (Nigeria Bar Association), as part of efforts to intensify pressure on the electoral commission.

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As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued a fresh statement addressing the ADC’s latest demand for the chairman’s resignation or its threat of civil disobedience.