Security operatives kill ‘bandit kingpin’ in Kaduna, recover arms

The Kaduna government says security forces have killed a bandit leader identified as “Dogo Maikasuwa”.

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, announced the development in a statement on Friday.

According to Aruwan, Maikasuwa was killed when security forces raided the hideout of bandits.

“After an era of terrorising citizens and evading security forces, the Kaduna State Government can authoritatively report that the notorious bandit commander known as ‘Dogo Maikasuwa’ has met his end,” the statement reads.

“The development was made known in an operational feedback from security agencies.

“Painstaking investigations revealed atrocities he carried out with impunity in hard-to-reach locations.

“Dogo Maikasuwa, also known as ‘Dogo Maimillion’, led series of attacks and kidnappings of citizens plying the Kaduna-Kachia Road, and in communities within Chikun and Kajuru LGAs. He was one of the deadliest bandits leading other elements in terrorising citizens of these general areas.

“According to human intelligence sources, he was always dressed in green camouflage military fatigues and wielding an AK-47 rifle. Such was his appearance during the duel with security forces which ultimately consumed him.

“It was also gleaned that he led his bandits to engage in operations with cruelty, often killing kidnapped victims when ransoms were delayed or considered meager.

“In his final stand, the notorious bandit in the company of his foot soldiers ran into an ambush laid by operatives in a forest in the Gengere-Kaso general area, around the Chikun and Kajuru boundaries.

“The security forces after the fierce battle successfully neutralised the bandit leader and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, five rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles and one set of camouflage military fatigues.

“The other bandits escaped with gun wounds. It was further gathered that one of them died from injuries sustained in the fierce battle, with his remains carried away by other fleeing elements.”

Aruwan added that Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, commended the security forces for their bravery.