Bandit leader Sani Black, sons killed by military, vigilantes in Zamfara

The Nigeria military has recorded another success in the fight against banditry in the North-West as troops have neutralized a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Sani Black.

Black, said to be responsible for many terror attacks, was killed by a combined team of soldiers and local vigilantes in the Magama Mai Rake area of Maru LGA, in Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the bandits’ leader and two of his sons were killed during the operation.

The military personnel and vigilantes recovered two AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, and an undisclosed amount of money during the operation.

According to a military source, for over a decade, Sani Black has been terrorizing many communities across the northern states, including Zamfara, launching deadly attacks, including abductions and sexual violence.

With over 150 armed followers, his reign of terror extended beyond Zamfara to neighboring Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi states. His criminal activities included orchestrating ambushes, kidnapping for ransom, and raiding villages across the region.

He and his sons were neutralized on September 24, 2024, following information about the clash between vigilantes and terrorists in the Tashar Sahabi area.

Troops from the Forward Operating Base, FOB Hanutara, were deployed to the scene to prevent potential reprisal attacks by the terrorists.

According to a military source, upon arrival, they identified the body of Sani Black but soon came under heavy fire from other bandits in the axis.

Intelligence reports indicated that bandit leaders, including Gwaska Dankarami and fighters from the late Kawaje group, are mobilizing around Kuran Mota to launch reprisal attacks.

Security forces are on high alert, prepared to counter any retaliatory measures as they work to stabilize the region, the source added.