Troops nab ‘notorious bandit kingpin’ in Zamfara
Troops of Operation Fansan Yanma have arrested Hassan Nabamamu, a notorious bandit kingpin allegedly responsible for terrorising communities in Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of Zamfara state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the operation took place on February 27 at Hegin Mahe, Ruwan Bore in Mada town, Gusau LGA.
“Troops launched a well-coordinated ambush, leading to a fierce gun battle in which several bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the report reads.
“The kingpin initially fled into nearby homes but was pursued and captured alive by the security forces.”
Makama said hours after his arrest, Nabamamu’s gang, led by Bakin Malam, launched a reprisal attack on Chediya, Bamamu, and Makera villages, threatening to displace residents if their leader was not released.
The attack forced many villagers to flee their homes.
The publication noted that troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, repelling the bandits and preventing further security breaches.
“Additional air and land troops were deployed to secure the area and prevent further incursions, while intelligence operations continue to track down fleeing gang members,” it added.
DECADES OF VIOLENCE AND TERROR
According to Makama, Nabamamu was once an Almajiri before attending Model Primary School, Tsafe.
He later moved to Bamamu village, where he engaged in cattle rearing before turning to armed robbery.
“For over 30 years, he was involved in armed robbery and later became one of the first Fulani men to openly embrace large-scale banditry in Zamfara,” the report noted.
He first gained notoriety after leading an armed robbery attack on the home of Sani Dan Kyaso, orchestrating multiple killings in the process.
Security sources quoted in the report described him as “deadlier than the infamous bandit leader Ado Alero”, often warning other criminals to stay out of his self-acclaimed territory.
Nabamamu commanded a large group of fighters responsible for brutal attacks on villages, including Makera, Chediya, Agama Lafiya, Singawa, Yalwa, Rekebu, Fegen Baza, Danmarke, and Sabon Fege, as well as areas near Setraco Company in Tsafe town.
His gang also terrorised travellers along the Gusau-Tsafe highway, turning the route into a deadly zone for commuters.
He worked closely with other top bandit leaders, including Bakin Malam, Mal Tukur, and Kachallah Baldu, controlling at least 100 heavily armed fighters.
“He imposed millions of naira in levies on villages in Tsafe LGA, ruthlessly punishing communities that failed to pay,” Makama said.
The publication noted that the arrest of Nabamamu is expected to significantly weaken the operational network of bandit groups in Zamfara.
“It is believed that dismantling his leadership structure could lead to the rescue of kidnapped victims still held by his gang,” it added.
“Military operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA have intensified in recent weeks, with coordinated land and air offensives eliminating several high-profile bandits and rescuing hostages from their hideouts in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
“Military officials have vowed to sustain the offensive until all major bandit leaders are neutralised and peace is restored to the region.
“Residents of Mada, Tsafe, and surrounding areas, who have endured years of terror, welcomed the news of Nabamamu’s arrest, expressing hope that security will improve and banditry will be brought under control.”
