One of Zamfara State’s most notorious bandit leaders, Kachalla Sani Yellow, has reportedly been killed in Anka Local Government Area, marking the end of the activities of a commander widely linked to deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling across parts of the North-West.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged over the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to multiple local sources, Sani Yellow was shot dead on Friday at Dan Jibga Market in Anka Local Government Area by armed men believed to be loyal to rival bandit leader Dogo Gide. The sources said the attack occurred in broad daylight while Yellow was reportedly at the market.
Residents familiar with the activities of armed groups in the area described the incident as another sign of the ongoing rivalry among bandit factions competing for territorial control and influence in Zamfara State.
A separate account, however, claimed that the notorious commander was killed during a recent security operation in Anka Local Government Area.
Security sources said he was neutralised in a coordinated operation involving security personnel and members of the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes, who have been supporting ongoing counter-banditry operations in parts of the state.
According to the sources, the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and eliminate high-profile bandit leaders operating in Zamfara.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed which account accurately reflects the circumstances surrounding Sani Yellow’s death.
Sani Yellow was regarded as one of the influential bandit commanders operating within the forests of Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring local government areas. He was allegedly responsible for coordinating numerous attacks on rural communities, mass kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and other violent raids that displaced thousands of residents across the region.
