The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said that its airstrikes have killed the most notorious bandits leader in Zamfara State, Kachallah Damina, and scores of his fighters in the state.
The NAF said in a statement that the air raid took place following information received about a large number of bandits attempting to attack Corner Village in Bungudu Local Government Area on March 10.
According to the statement, Damina, who was already battling with injuries after clashes with troops of Operation Hadarin Dajia in Dansadau, was killed in the company of scores of bandits on motorcycles.
It was gathered that out of the 58 motorcycles carrying bandits and heading for mission, only 11 fighters returned, many of them without their fighters.
Zagazola Makama, a security expert quoted sources as saying that “More than 50 bandits were neutralised with several motorcycles destroyed. This attack was the biggest and one of the most devastating against the bandit groups in this area in recent times.
“The armed forces are hunting down prominent terrorist leaders and engaging them wherever they are hiding.”
It was further gathered that Damina was an indigene of Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and has wreaked havoc in Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The bandits leader was reportedly known for his savagery and for committing heartless attacks and gruesome killings.
It was reported that in one instance, Damina removed a child from a pregnant woman and killed the child.
Also, it is said that once he captures his victims, it is either the ransom was paid at the time he requested or they getb killed.
He operated a big camp in Magami forest in Kango under the command of Buharin Daji and Nagala.
The killing of Damina is said to have diminished the confidence of bandit groups forcing most of them to go into hiding.
Damina got his inspiration from the likes of Shehu Rekep and Alhaji Lawali Dumbulu, who started banditry in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi states with their camps around the Galadimawa forest.
These two bandits leaders are known for deploying mercenaries from Mali and Burkina Faso to engage in Mining and abduction.
