In a significant blow to cross-border banditry, the Niger Armed Forces have successfully apprehended Kachallah Mai Daji, a notorious Nigerian bandit kingpin, near the border town of Illela, Niger.
Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, highlighted Mai Daji’s reign of terror across northeastern Nigeria, spanning over a decade. Makama described the bandit leader’s atrocities, including killings, village burnings, kidnappings, and extortionate levies imposed on local communities.
Particularly active in the Illela region, Mai Daji instilled fear in villages such as Tozai, Sabon Garin Darna, Darna Tsolawo, Tudun Gudali, Basanta, Ɗan Kadu, Takalmawa, Gidan Hamma, Ambarura, Gidan Bulutu, and numerous others in the vicinity.
Mai Daji’s capture came as Nigerien forces intercepted his attempt to rustle livestock across the Nigeria-Niger border, a critical development in efforts to combat transnational criminal activities.
However, the fight against banditry faces ongoing challenges, as tragedy struck in Borno State on Sunday. Reports indicate that no fewer than 11 individuals lost their lives and five sustained injuries when two vehicles detonated suspected bandit-placed landmines in Gamboru-Ngala and Dikwa local government areas.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups in the region, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures and cross-border cooperation to safeguard communities from further harm.
