The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Fansan Yanma have killed a notorious bandit leader identified as Dan Dari Biyar during a clearance operation in the western axis of Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto state.
According to Zagazola Makama, counter-insurgency expert, security sources said the bandit kingpin was killed on Thursday while attempting to collect a ransom from relatives of kidnapped victims in the forest corridor between Turtsawa, Mazau, and Zango villages.
Security sources told the publication that the operation was part of an intensified military campaign to flush out bandit elements and dismantle their strongholds in the region.
The raid was conducted by a joint force comprising Nigerian Army troops and local security volunteers operating under the Sokoto State Government’s community protection initiative.
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Arms, ammunition, and communication devices were recovered at the scene.
Dan Dari Biyar was reportedly based deep within the Tidibale forest, from where he launched coordinated attacks on communities in Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwaronyo, including the razing of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis.
The suspect, whose nickname was derived from his infamous catchphrase “I prefer N500 to a Hausa man” was known for his brutality against kidnap victims, often mocking them before demanding large sums in ransom.
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He has been linked by military intelligence to multiple attacks, ambushes, and acts of arson across the Sokoto east senatorial zone, particularly in forested hideouts that are difficult to access.
Meanwhile, troops are on the pursuit of fleeing members of the gang.
