The death of bandit leader Gwaska Dankarami, confirmed by Nigerian authorities, accompanied by the killing of his followers, brings renewed hope for stability in areas plagued by violence, following a series of brutal attacks on local communities.
Major Blow to Banditry in Nigeria: Kingpin and 100 Followers Killed in Military Operation
Major Blow to Banditry in Nigeria: Kingpin and 100 Followers Killed in Military Operation
In a decisive military operation, notorious bandit king Gwaska Dankarami and 100 associates have been eliminated in north-west Nigeria, marking a significant step in the fight against organized crime in the region.
A renowned bandit leader and a hundred of his followers have been killed in a significant military operation in north-west Nigeria, as reported by local authorities. Gwaska Dankarami was identified as a high-value target, alleged to be the second-in-command to a leader linked with the Islamic State. He was reported to have been hiding in the Munumu Forest, where the operation not only led to his death but also dismantled several other criminal hideouts across the state on Friday.
The military action follows a brutal incident earlier this week in the village of Maigora, where bandits kidnapped 43 villagers, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals. In response, police forces had been deployed to track down the kidnappers. Interestingly, this isn't the first report of Dankarami's demise—he was previously believed to have been killed by the Nigerian Airforce in 2022 during a similar military engagement.
Nasir Mua'zu, the Katsina State commissioner for internal security and home affairs, commented on the operation, highlighting its role as a critical achievement in combating banditry in the area. "This successful mission has significantly disrupted the criminal networks that have long terrorised communities," Mua'zu remarked. During this operation, security forces also confiscated and destroyed two machine guns and multiple homemade shotguns.
In a correlated endeavor just a day prior, military forces neutralized six bandits, including their leader, while some managed to escape with injuries. Seven motorcycles were seized during the intelligence-led operation.
Katsina State, the home base of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, has experienced a series of violent attacks conducted by bandits and kidnappers, resulting in numerous casualties. The state governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicate criminal activities and ensure comprehensive monitoring of forest areas to safeguard local populations.
Authorities have stated that these operations represent a broader initiative aimed at restoring order and security within the state and the north-west region of Nigeria, which has been plagued by persistent banditry and violence.
