A notorious bandit kingpin, identified as Kachalla Mu’azu, and six members of his gang have reportedly been killed during a clash involving rival armed groups in Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, around Mada in Gusau Local Government Area.

Mu’azu and his associates were reportedly returning from Yankara Market when they were ambushed by members of a rival armed group who had laid in wait along their route.

The ensuing confrontation reportedly resulted in the deaths of Mu’azu and six of his associates.

Mu’azu was said to have been a prominent bandit commander linked to criminal activities and attacks affecting communities in Gusau and other parts of Zamfara, as well as areas of neighbouring Katsina State.

His death is expected to have implications for the activities of armed groups operating around the Gusau axis, although it remains unclear whether the killing will lead to any immediate change in the security situation.

Mada is a settlement in the eastern part of Gusau Local Government Area, about 32 kilometres from Gusau town, while Yankara is located along the Gusau-Funtua axis.

Security agencies are expected to continue monitoring the area following the reported clash and to establish further details about the rival groups involved.

The identities of the other six bandits killed in the incident were not immediately available. (Zagazola)