Highly coordinated operations by the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army have resulted in the neutralization of notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Kallamu, a prominent lieutenant of the wanted bandit leader Bello Turji. The significant success, confirmed by military sources on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, occurred in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, marking a substantial blow to the expansive Turji network. Kallamu, also known as Kallamu Buzu, was a key figure who had long terrorized residents and served as Turji's emissary, engaging in activities such as collecting levies from rice farmers.

The decisive dawn offensive, conducted near Kurawa village on Monday, led to the elimination of Kallamu, one of Turji’s principal logistics suppliers, and 9 other bandits, totaling 11 neutralized individuals. This tactical operation, carried out with crucial support from local vigilante groups and based on precise, credible intelligence, successfully disrupted a planned attack on Tara Village, identified as a critical cross-movement point for bandit and terrorist elements. Following an intense firefight, troops recovered a significant cache of arms, including 8 AK-47 rifles, 5 extra magazines, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Kachalla Kallamu, a native of Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni, had been under military surveillance for months due to his extensive reign of terror in the region. He was reportedly believed to have fled to Kogi State in June 2025 following a military onslaught but had recently infiltrated back into Sokoto. His elimination, alongside another kingpin identified as Dan Jargaba by local sources, is seen as a crucial step in dismantling the bandit structure in Sabon Birni and its surrounding communities.

The news of Kallamu’s death reportedly devastated Bello Turji, who allegedly threatened revenge and blamed another lieutenant for security lapses that led to the incident. In stark contrast, residents of Sabon Birni LGA, whom Kallamu (Buzu) and his associates had terrorized for years, celebrated the significant victory. Basharu Altine, a resident and head of the Sokoto movement for social justice and good governance, confirmed the deaths of Messrs. Buzu and Dan Jargaba along with eight other terrorists during the fierce gun battle, urging continued vigilance against potential retaliatory attacks from Turji’s group.

The Sokoto State Government has lauded the gallant efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the governor's aide on security, Ahmed Usman, commending the swift response and professionalism that averted a potentially tragic ambush on traders traveling from Tarah village to the weekly market in Sabon Birni. The government acknowledged the consistent sacrifices of security forces and encouraged sustained operations to flush out criminal elements from Sokoto State and the entire North-West subregion. Furthermore, residents were encouraged to maintain courage and actively support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that timely intelligence is vital for ongoing operational successes.

The Sabon Birni corridor, particularly the eastern flank of Sokoto State, remains a perennial flashpoint for banditry and abductions. This latest success reinforces previous efforts, such as the military's elimination of Turji's second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa, in January. The proactive response by the troops underscores their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, ensuring peace and security in the troubled region.