A notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Sani Yellow, has been killed in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, amid conflicting reports surrounding the circumstances of his death.

Multiple local sources revealed that Yellow was shot dead on Friday, July 10, at Dan Jibga Market by gunmen allegedly loyal to rival bandit leader, Dogo Gide. According to the sources, the attackers ambushed him in broad daylight while he was carrying out activities at the market.

Residents familiar with armed groups in the region described the incident as a reflection of escalating rivalries among bandit factions competing for territorial control and influence across Zamfara State.

However, a separate account attributed Yellow’s death to a coordinated security operation. According to security sources, the bandit leader was neutralised during an offensive carried out by security operatives in collaboration with members of the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes, recently deployed to support counter-banditry operations in the state.

The operation, sources said, is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal strongholds and eliminate high-profile bandit leaders in the region.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed which of the accounts accurately represents the circumstances surrounding Yellow’s death.

Kachalla Sani Yellow was considered one of the most influential bandit commanders operating within forest corridors spanning Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru, and surrounding local government areas. He was allegedly linked to multiple attacks on rural communities, mass kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and violent raids that displaced several residents.

Meanwhile, tensions appear to be escalating, as communities in Tsafe Local Government Area have reportedly come under fresh attacks believed to be reprisals for Yellow’s death and the recent killings of other bandit commanders.

Local sources disclosed that gunmen suspected to be loyal to another bandit leader, Adamu Aliero, invaded several communities, killing at least two residents and abducting more than 60 others. The attackers were also said to have looted food items and livestock before retreating into nearby forests.