A major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against banditry has been recorded as troops of Operation FANSAR YANMA neutralised a notorious bandit leader, Dan Dari Biyar, during a clearance operation in Sabon Birni, Sokoto State.
Military sources confirmed that the operation took place on Thursday, targeting the forest corridor between Turtsawa, Mazau, and Zango villages. Dan Dari Biyar was reportedly gunned down while attempting to collect ransom money from relatives of abducted victims.
The news was shared on Saturday by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who wrote via his X (formerly Twitter) handle:
“Notorious bandit leader Dan Dari Biyar was killed by troops in Sabon Birni, Sokoto State while attempting to collect ransom. He led deadly raids across multiple communities. He got his name for saying he preferred ₦500 to a local man’s life.”
Feared and Ruthless
Dan Dari Biyar was infamous across the Sokoto East senatorial zone for his brutality. Known for taunting victims and demanding huge ransom sums, he operated deep within the Tidibale forest and led coordinated attacks on several communities, including Lalle, Tsamaye, Gidan Sale, and parts of Gwadabawa and Gwaronyo LGAs.
Military intelligence had long linked him to a series of ambushes, arson attacks, and mass kidnappings that have destabilized local communities and forced many into displacement.
Joint Efforts Pay Off
The successful operation was carried out by military personnel in collaboration with local security volunteers under the Sokoto State Government’s Community Protection Initiative. Alongside the elimination of the bandit kingpin, troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment from the scene.
This marks a significant win in the ongoing military campaign to root out violent non-state actors from Nigeria’s northwest region, particularly in areas plagued by ransom-driven criminal networks.
The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement, but sources suggest that similar operations are already underway across other bandit-infested zones.
