A notorious bandit kingpin in Zamfara State, Kachalla Sani, popularly known as Yellow, was reportedly killed on July 10, 2026, during a joint operation involving security forces and local vigilantes in Anka Local Government Area.
Security sources said Yellow was neutralised at Dan Jibga Market after armed bandits attacked construction workers in the area.

According to the sources, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, police operatives and local vigilantes engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, leading to the death of the notorious commander.
Sources told The Guardian that in an unusual aftermath reflecting public outrage, Yellow’s body was tied to a motorcycle and paraded through Anka town to confirm his death.

The procession reportedly drew large crowds of residents who had lived under years of fear due to persistent bandit attacks.
For years, Yellow was regarded as one of the most influential bandit commanders operating across the forests of Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring local government areas.

Intelligence sources linked him to numerous high-profile crimes, including mass kidnappings for ransom targeting schools, villages and motorists, large-scale cattle rustling that devastated rural livelihoods, and deadly attacks that displaced thousands of residents and forced many farming communities to abandon their homes.
His network was considered a major pillar of the banditry economy in Zamfara, making him one of the most wanted figures by security agencies.

The July 10 operation formed part of the ongoing offensive by Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantle criminal enclaves and eliminate high-value targets across the North-West.
However, security analysts cautioned that Yellow’s death could trigger fresh violence as rival groups compete for influence.

Reports indicate that days after the operation, armed gangs loyal to other bandit leaders attacked communities in neighbouring Tsafe Local Government Area, carrying out abductions and looting.
In response, the military and police have intensified patrols and clearance operations across Anka, Tsafe and adjoining communities to prevent reprisals and restore normalcy.

Security experts described Yellow’s elimination as a significant victory in the Federal Government’s campaign against banditry in the North-West, while noting that the fragmented nature of the criminal networks means the death of one commander often leads to power struggles and retaliatory attacks.
For many residents of Anka, the public display of Yellow’s body symbolised the end of years of terror.

“This is the end of one of them. Allah willing, the rest will follow,” a resident, Usman Anka, was quoted as saying.
Security agencies said operations against bandits and other criminal groups would continue until lasting peace is restored across Zamfara State.