Troops kill ‘notorious bandit leader’ in Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed Kachalla Na Faranshi, a notorious bandit leader, alongside several of his fighters.

The bandits were “neutralised” during a raid of forests in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that Na Faranshi was killed during an encounter with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

The publication quoted intelligence sources as saying that the bandit leader, originally from Shirgi village in Maradi, Niger Republic, had been involved in arms smuggling and organised crime.

Makama said Na Faranshi had ties with terrorist groups operating in Mali and was once an ally of Bello Turji, another notorious bandit leader, before establishing his criminal network.

“Before venturing into armed criminality, he and his father were cattle traders. Over time, he became deeply involved in banditry and weapons smuggling,” the report reads.

“He was known for smuggling illicit firearms from Mali and Niger, supplying weapons to various armed groups operating in Nigeria’s northwestern forests.

“On March 23, 2024, Kachalla Na Faranshi released a video displaying sophisticated weapons and a large number of fighters, issuing threats to attack Zurmi town in Zamfara state.

“The Nigerian military have continued to intensify operations in Zamfara and neighboring states to curb banditry and ensure peace in the entire Northwestern region.”