The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced the killing of a popular bandit in Zamfara State.
Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, revealed that notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Na Faranshi, has been killed during an aggressive raid in the forests of Zurmi Local Government Area.
Kachalla Na Faranshi was a prominent figure in the smuggling of illicit firearms from Mali and Niger Republic to Nigeria. He was also a top weapons supplier to various armed groups operating in the country’s northwestern forests. His links with terrorist groups operating in Mali and his previous alliance with notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, made him a high-priority target for security forces.
According to General Musa, the operation that led to Kachalla Na Faranshi’s death was a joint effort between security forces and the Nigerian Air Force’s air component. The operation tore the area apart, demolishing the camp and burning down the sandy blocks residence, forcing Kachalla Na Faranshi to flee. In a follow-up operation, troops moved into Tungfa and Mashima villages to dislodge groups and force them deeper into the forest.
General Musa stated that the killing of Kachalla Na Faranshi sends a strong message to all armed groups in the country.
Musa said: “Signals issued in the government’s approach to tackling banditry in Zamfara and whether or not to us. When insurgents, safe and havens, are systematically dismantled, security forces have sent a strong message to all armed groups in the country. The era of impunity is over.
“For years, bandits, terrorists, and criminals have exploited the difficulty ring within our country, creating well-fortified hideouts and lodging deadly raids on communities. However, with the current operations gaining momentum, the tide appears to be torn in. As troops tighten, the urban air assets continue to position strikes.
“The walls are closing in on those who have terrorised innocent civilians. Special forces, both from the land forces, the maritime and the air, are working assiduously to ensure that we secure the entire nation,” he stated.
