Another deadly bandit leader identified as Kachallah Dan Isuhu, has been reportedly eliminated by a rival gang in a shootout, which has brought an end to his long years of terror across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna State.
According to counter-insurgency and security expert, Zagazola Makama, Isuhu who was a ruthless bandit warlord, was responsible for numerous deadly raids, ambushes on security forces, and mass kidnappings and masterminded several cattle rustling operations as well as imposing illegal taxes on villages under his control.
In a post he shared on his X handle on Friday, Makama said before he was killed, Isuhu’s influence had stretched beyond local banditry as he had played a key role in the Kaduna train attack of March 28, 2022, where he reportedly received N800 million in ransom from negotiations.
In the post, Makama gave details of the reign of terror perpetuated by Isuhu before he eventually met his end.
The post titled “How notorious bandit Kachalla Isuhu Yellow was killed in Zamfara,’ reads:
“The reign of terror of Kachalla Isuhu Yellow, a notorious bandit commander and younger brother to Ado Alero, has come to an end.
“He was shot dead today at Dan Jibga Market in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State by gunmen loyal to another bandit warlord, Dogo Gide.
“Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that prio to his elimination, the terrorists kingpin had encounter with the troops of Operation FANSAN, Hybrid forces and the vigilante group at about 1700hrs, had encounter with terrorists at Keita village under Tsafe District of Zamfara State, in the aftermath of the encounter, 9 bandits were neutralized while three local vigilante paid the supreme price. Their leader Dan Isuhu sustained bullet wounds and fled.
“Dan Isuhu Yellow who was fighting many enemies, was later ambushed inside a shop owned by one Alhaji Dan Habu, known for selling luxurious fabrics and clothing materials by other bandits fighters loyal to Dogo Gide, who stormed the market and opened fire, ensuring Isuhu Yellow had no chance to escape.
“His killing comes just two days after a violent clash between him and another top bandit leader, Kachalla Bakin Sifindi. On March 25, 2025, Isuhu Yellow killed Bakin Sifindi and one of his close associates near Sabon Birni, between the forests of Munhaye and Tsafe.
“The attack reignited long standing tensions among rival bandit factions. Dogo Gide, a feared bandit leader operating in Zamfara and Niger States, saw the killing of Bakin Sifindi as a direct provocation. Already seeking revenge, Gide mobilized his men to track down Isuhu Yellow, who was already suffering injuries during encounters with troops, leading to today’s assassination in Dan Jibga Market.
“They already knew that Dan Isuhu was hiding in the market after he escaped from the troops.
> Dogo Gide has been hunting Isuhu Yellow for a long time. After the attack on Bakin Sifindi, Gide’s men were determined to eliminate him. He let his guard down in Dan Jibga Market, and they got him.
“Who was Kachalla Isuhu Yellow?
“Kachalla Isuhu Yellow was one of North-West Nigeria’s most ruthless and feared bandits, leading deadly operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states.
“His base of operations was the Munhaye forest in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, from where he coordinated multiple attacks on highways, villages, and urban centers. His notoriety stemmed from his relentless ambushes, kidnappings, and killings.
“Some of his most heinous crimes include: Frequent attacks on the Gusau–Funtua highway, terrorizing motorists and travelers. Brutal raids on communities in Zamfara, including Gusau, Tsafe, and surrounding areas.Deadly incursions into Katsina State, where he carried out attacks in Faskari, Funtua, Bakori, Kankara, and Malumfashi. Operations in Kaduna and Niger States, where he collaborated with other bandit factions.
“His role in high-profile kidnappings
“Isuhu Yellow was among the bandits who hijacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022, an attack that led to the abduction of dozens of passengers and forced the Nigerian government into high-profile negotiations with terrorists.
“He was also responsible for the 2021 kidnapping of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway; the abduction of children from the household of Alhaji Abu Furfuri, where he reportedly collected over ₦60 million in ransom in 2022; the 2022 abduction of three female students from the Federal University Gusau (FUG).
“Aside from kidnappings, Isuhu Yellow was notorious for killing security personnel, ambushing police and military convoys, and resisting multiple security operations aimed at neutralizing him.
“Kachallah’s criminal network, which controlled key supply routes for arms and ransom payments, is now expected to weaken under sustained military pressure.
“The elimination of Kachallah represents a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in the North-West.
“For residents of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, his downfall provides a rare moment of relief. However, security forces remain on high alert, vowing to sustain their offensive until all criminal elements are eradicated,” he said.
