Bandit kingpin Mu’azu, six others killed in Zamfara clash

A notorious bandit leader, identified as Kachalla Mu’azu, and six members of his gang have reportedly been killed during a clash with a rival armed group in Zamfara State.

The incident reportedly happened at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, around Mada in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

According to counter terrorism expert Zagazola Makama, Mu’azu and his associates were returning from Yankara Market when they were ambushed by members of a rival armed group.

Makama said the attackers had reportedly waited along the route before launching the attack.

The clash resulted in the reported deaths of Mu’azu and six members of his gang.

Mu’azu was said to be a prominent bandit commander linked to criminal activities and attacks in Gusau and other parts of Zamfara State, as well as neighbouring areas of Katsina State.

Makama said the death of the bandit leader could affect the activities of armed groups operating around the Gusau axis. However, he noted that it was not yet clear whether the incident would lead to any immediate change in the security situation.

He explained that Mada is a settlement in the eastern part of Gusau Local Government Area, about 32 kilometres from Gusau town. Yankara is located along the Gusau Funtua axis.

Security agencies are expected to continue monitoring the area and investigate the circumstances surrounding the clash and the groups involved.