Kachalla Yellow Dan-Bokolo, one of Nigeria’s most feared bandit leaders and a close ally and cousin to the infamous bandit kingpin Bello Turji, was killed on June 29 2025, following injuries he sustained during a joint security operation in rural parts of Shinkafi in Zamfara State.

Dan-Bokolo was killed alongside six bandit commanders and 182 gang members in a shootout that lasted for hours.

The operation was reportedly backed by intelligence and marks a significant milestone in the country’s war against banditry in the North West.

Dan-Bokolo, aged 27, gained notoriety for his extreme brutality and deep involvement in violent crimes across Zamfara and Sokoto States.

He was married to four wives and fathered 12 children. He was regarded as the most notorious bandit in Shinkafi, arguably more deadly, ruthless, and cunning than his cousin and mentor, Bello Turji.

Born and raised in the conflict-ridden Sahel belt, Dan-Bokolo, according to Professor Murtala Rufa’I of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, was mentored by Shehu Rakep, a pioneer of modern banditry in the Dangulbi axis of Maru Local Government Area.

Prof Rufa’I, in a report, said: “Rakep was not only a fearless bandit but also a prolific arms runner. Fighters trained by Rakep were known for their fearlessness, tactical skills, and tenacity.

“By contrast, Bello Turji was trained by the late Kachalla Halilu Sububu in the Sububu forest. While both men had separate ideological and tactical roots, Dan-Bokolo stood out for his hardline philosophy: he believed in vengeance and an uncompromising “eye for an eye” doctrine.

“On 25th April 2022, when Turji attempted to initiate dialogue with the people of Shinkafi and ordered his fighters to submit their arms, Dan-Bokolo openly defied him. He rejected the peace initiative, declaring that they were not interested in dialogue. He was ultimately responsible for sabotaging the Shinkafi dialogue process between Turji’s camp, other bandits, and the local population.”

Rufa’I, who is the author of “I am a bandit”, a collection of his decade of research into banditry in the North West, noted that Dan-Bokolo operated from a base in Kagara, Shinkafi LGA of Sokoto State, with strongholds in Bafarawa, Kamarawa, Gebe, and Dan-Zage.

“He also controlled parts of western Shinkafi in Zamfara State. His camp comprised roughly 350 members, spanning both Sokoto and Zamfara States, and carried out numerous violent activities across these regions.

“He was not just a field commander but the operational mastermind behind several of the region’s deadliest attacks.

“Though he often coordinated with Turji, Dan-Bokolo was the executioner, leading raids, orchestrating kidnappings, and spearheading attacks on security installations.

“Many of his fighters, mostly juveniles, were known to be addicted to narcotics, especially pentazocine, locally referred to as “pentameric injections.

“His dependence on hard drugs fed a cycle of sadistic violence, particularly in attacks involving torture, sexual violence, and the destruction of entire communities.

“Among his most heinous crimes was the December 2021 attack in Sabon Birni, where over 30 passengers were burned alive inside a bus, an incident that shocked the nation,” Rufai said.

Other atrocities linked to him include the sacking of Gangara village and the removal of its traditional ruler in March 2022; Repeated raids on security outposts in Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni; Systematic cattle rustling and abductions across the border regions of Sokoto and Zamfara.

Meanwhile, residents of Shinkafi expressed relief over the killing of Dan-Bokolo, whom they said had been terrorising several communities in Zamfara and Sokoto, and was responsible for numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings.

“We thank God he’s finally dead. Our hope now is that Bello Turji will be the next to fall. We want this era of banditry to end once and for all,” a resident said.

A blow to banditry in Zamfara

The death of Kachalla Yellow Dan-Bokolo is being hailed as a breakthrough in the ongoing security operations across the North West.

For many residents of Zamfara and Sokoto, his elimination brings a measure of relief and hope after years of terror.

Security analysts said the impact on Bello Turji could be profound. The loss of a close confidant and field commander may weaken Turji’s resolve and force him to reassess his position.

With mounting military pressure, some said he may either flee the region or re-enter negotiations he once championed and later abandoned.

However, observers caution that while Dan-Bokolo’s death marks a symbolic victory, the war is far from over.

The security vacuum he leaves behind may trigger internal struggles among rival factions, raising the spectre of further instability if not swiftly managed.

Dan-Bokolo, others died of security forces’ gunshots – Military

The military high command said Dan-Bokolo and six bandit commanders died of gunshot wounds sustained during a fierce gun battle with the security forces last week.

It said there was an intelligence-led operation conducted by the security forces last week where they engaged bandits and fleeing terrorists before they were overpowered by the superior firepower of the troops.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, said the terrorists succumbed to gunshots from troops, who conducted clearance operations.

Kangye, a Major-General, also disclosed that the troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces supported by Air Components and other security agencies, have resolved to hunt down Bello Turji, who has been in hiding. (Daily Trust)