▪︎ Turji in disarray, as DSS Maintains Studied Silence – Role Unclear.
Details have emerged on how notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo died at the weekend in Zamfara State after an earlier gun battle with Shinkafi Volunteer Forces in the State.
Danbokolo’s death is being wildly celebrated in Zamfara State and many parts of the Northwest states as many locals know him as the leader of Bello and the most dreaded bandit in the zone, even more dangerous than his cousin, Bello Turji, whom they describe as a mere spokesperson.
Security sources said Danbokolo and more than 173 bandits were killed after the blistering surprise attack by the volunteer forces.
The sources could, however, neither confirm nor deny the role of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the recent onslaughts which has greatly decimated the bandits, stating that the secret police has rather maintained stealth mode in these operations.
According to the sources, Danbokolo, who sustained serious injuries during the gun attack, died over the weekend and was buried on Saturday. His death and that of several fighters loyal to him were reportedly being celebrated, particularly by residents of Kurya District in Shinkafi LGA, whom he had terrorised for years.
Said one villager, “We have been celebrating. It is hard to believe that Danbokolo, a man whose name used to strike fear in our hearts, is no more. I can authoritatively tell you that Danbokolo was the man behind the mask. He was the overall Commander. Turji merely handled the communications angle, while Danbokolo was the executioner of all the evil.
“It was not only Danbokolo that was killed. At least, 173 bandits loyal to him were also killed and buried within the week. Several of them have fled our communities. We see them running away after every raid on their hideouts.
We really thank President Bola Tinibu for this massive intervention that has turned around our fortunes for good,” he said.
Another resident confirmed that “known loyalists of Turji are now in a state of fear and confusion, and that some are now seeking to surrender as they see the end in sight.”
He said, “This is the first time we believe that these bandits will be gone for good. Bello Turji has no hiding place. Knowing that his days are numbered, he and some of his foot soldiers have begun to desperately beg for amnesty.”
These strikes by the courageous volunteer forces on Turji’s main stronghold are the first since the onset of organized banditry in the region. It has devastated the bandits including the death of Danbokolo, who residents believe is the Commander of terror. While DSS has remained silent, the volunteers referencing support from the secret police, apparently to boost their morale.
The source also reiterated that locals in the area have been massively jubilating following the killings, with most farmers expressing the hope that they won’t have to pay taxes to bandits in this farming season.