In a significant victory for security forces, notorious bandit commander Kachalla Tukur Sharme and a number of his men have been killed in a major military operation in Kaduna State.

Several other bandits sustained life-threatening injuries and are currently on the run.

Kaduna State’s Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed that Sharme’s gang was neutralised by the military’s superior firepower.

He stated, “As the maxim has foretold, those who live by the sword, certainly die by the sword.”

Intelligence sources revealed that Sharme and his rivals were killed in a fierce gun battle, allowing some kidnapped citizens to escape.

Five injured bandits are reportedly seeking medical attention in the area.

Aruwan described Sharme as a ruthless criminal responsible for countless murders, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in Kaduna and neighbouring states.

He was a prime target for security forces, having narrowly evaded capture on multiple occasions.

One of Sharme’s most infamous crimes was the kidnapping of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kujama, Kaduna State, in 2021.

Tragically, two security personnel lost their lives during the operation to eliminate Sharme’s gang.

Residents of Rijana, Kaso, Kasarami, Jaka da-Rabi, Kajuru, Dutse, and surrounding areas have been warned against assisting any suspicious individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.

They are urged to report any relevant information to the nearest security agency with assurances of confidentiality.