For years, Kachallah Dan Isihu was a name that struck fear into communities across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna State, Zagazola Makama reports.
A ruthless warlord, he led deadly raids, ambushed security forces, and masterminded kidnappings and cattle rustling operations, leaving a trail of blood and destruction. But his reign of terror has finally come to an end eliminated in a decisive military operation by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma.
The Man Behind the Mayhem
Kachallah Dan Isihu was not just a bandit; he was a symbol of organized terror in the North-West. His network controlled key supply routes for arms and ransom payments, while his fighters, numbering in the hundreds, enforced his rule over villages, collecting illegal taxes and executing those who resisted. Dan Isuhu was a key player on the Kidnap of the train Victims in Kaduna. He received N800 million from the proceeds of the negotiations.
His criminal activities peaked during Ramadan, when he intensified attacks, killing at least one person daily as part of what he reportedly called a “personal obligation.”
In the weeks leading up to his death, Dan Isihu orchestrated multiple attacks that put him at the top of the security forces’ most-wanted list. Among them were: A twin attack on Tsafe town that led to the death of the Tsafe Local Government Security Chief, vigilante members, and security operatives. Daily ambushes on the Tsafe-Yankara highway, where he and his men intercepted and terrorized travelers, conducting up to seven attacks in a single day. Coordinated raids on rural communities, burning homes and forcing entire villages to flee.
Dan Isihu was emboldened by his ties to Ado Alero, a notorious bandit leader who had been declared wanted by the Katsina State Government with a ₦5 million bounty on his head. The endgame for Dan Isihu began when military intelligence tracked his movements to a well-fortified camp in the forests of Zamfara, a known base for his operations. Under Operation Fansan Yanma, a special task force comprising elite ground troops, Air Force fighter jets, and tactical reconnaissance teams launched a targeted assault.
According to military sources, the offensive was swift and devastating: Aerial bombardments neutralized key positions, cutting off escape routes. Ground forces launched a simultaneous attack, engaging Dan Isihu’s fighters in a fierce gun battle. After hours of resistance, Dan Isihu was eliminated, along with dozens of his fighters, in an operation that left no room for his survival. He was initially wounded but later died at Danjibga forest.
Military officer who participated in the mission described the moment they confirmed Dan Isihu’s death: “We knew the battle was over when his men started fleeing in disarray. We have been battling with them for the past four days. We learnt he was wounded but he later died this evening.
The elimination of Dan Isihu is a major victory in the fight against banditry in the North-West.
For residents of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, the fall of Dan Isihu offers a rare moment of relief, but security forces remain on high alert. The military has vowed to sustain its offensive until all criminal elements are wiped out.
As Nigeria continues its battle against insecurity, the success of Operation Fansan Yanma stands as proof that banditry is not invincible, and with sustained military action, peace can return to the troubled North-West.
