Nigerian military eliminates bandit kingpin, Kachalla Na Faranshi

In a decisive operation, Nigerian troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA have successfully taken down notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Na Faranshi, along with several members of his gang during a high-impact raid in the dense forests of Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

According to intelligence sources who spoke to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on Friday, Na Faranshi and his fighters were neutralized following a direct confrontation with the military forces.

Originally from Shirgi village in Maradi, Niger Republic, Kachalla Na Faranshi transitioned from cattle trading—a business he once managed with his father—into the world of organized crime, where he became heavily involved in banditry and arms smuggling.

According to Zagozola Makama, his operations were centered in the Dutsen Kura forest, southwest of Mashema in Zurmi LGA, which served as his stronghold. Na Faranshi was notorious for trafficking illegal firearms from Mali and Niger, supplying weapons to various armed groups operating across Nigeria’s troubled northwestern region.

He reportedly maintained connections with terrorist networks in Mali and was formerly aligned with infamous bandit kingpin Bello Turji before branching out to establish his own criminal syndicate.

In a video released on March 23, 2024, Na Faranshi showcased an arsenal of sophisticated weapons and a large contingent of fighters, threatening to launch an attack on Zurmi town in Zamfara State. His gang had been linked to numerous violent attacks, kidnappings, and arms trafficking activities across the region.

During the recent military operation, security forces engaged Na Faranshi’s group in a fierce gun battle, ultimately eliminating the bandit leader and several of his men.