Bandit kingpin, Kaboni, killed in Zamfara ambush as 3 vigilantes fall in Katsina attack

Three members of a local vigilante group were killed in an ambush by suspected bandits during a patrol in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. near Karo village, located behind the permanent site of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), according to security sources.

According to a report by counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, the deceased — identified as Bashir Abdussalam, 40; Halluru Bishir, 43; and Sani Bala, 49 — all hailed from Makera village in the same LGA. They reportedly sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the attack and were later confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Dutsinma.

In a separate development, troops under Operation FANSAR YANMA successfully eliminated a notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim Kaboni, alongside at least eight of his fighters during a coordinated ambush near Keta village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Military sources revealed on Thursday that the operation, executed by personnel of the 1 Brigade and other security agencies, followed sustained surveillance and intelligence tracking. The encounter reportedly occurred on the evening of April 16, 2025.

A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued during the ambush, forcing several members of the armed group to flee, some with gunshot wounds. Kaboni, who had been on security watchlists for his involvement in numerous attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in Zamfara and surrounding regions, was confirmed killed alongside members of his gang.

Security operations remain ongoing in the area as forces continue to pursue fleeing suspects.