By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA, have neutralised a notorious bandit leader identified as Dan Dari Biyar during a clearance operation in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A credible source at Army Headquarters confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the bandit kingpin was eliminated on Thursday.

The source said the bandit met his waterloo while trying to collect a ransom from relatives of kidnapped victims in the forest corridor between Turtsawa, Mazau, and Zango villages.

According to the source, Biyar was known for his brutality against kidnap victims, often mocking them before demanding large sums in ransom.

“He 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 notorious razing of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis.

“Military intelligence linked him to multiple raids, ambushes, and acts of arson across Sokoto East senatorial zone, particularly in hard-to-reach forest enclaves,” the source said.

The source said the successful operation was part of an ongoing offensive by troops aimed at flushing out bandit elements and dismantling their hideouts.

He said the operation was executed by a joint team of the Nigerian Army and local security volunteers under the Sokoto State Government’s community protection initiative.

According to the source, arms, ammunition, and communication devices were recovered from the scene, while pursuit of fleeing members of his gang continues. (NAN)