Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised a notorious bandit leader, known as Dan Dari Biyar, during a clearance operation conducted in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to security sources, the operation took place on Thursday as the bandit kingpin attempted to collect ransom payments from relatives of abducted victims within the forest corridor stretching across Turtsawa, Mazau, and Zango villages.
Dan Dari Biyar, whose alias reportedly stemmed from his infamous catchphrase, “I prefer ₦500 to a Hausa man,” was widely feared for his cruelty. He was notorious for mocking his captives and demanding exorbitant ransom payments, often resorting to extreme brutality
Operating from a base deep within the Tidibale forest, he was said to be responsible for a series of coordinated attacks targeting communities in Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwadabawa and Gwaronyo LGAs. His reign of terror included multiple raids, ambushes, and the razing of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis.
Military intelligence had long linked him to acts of arson, killings, and mass abductions across the Sokoto East senatorial zone, especially in remote forest enclaves considered difficult to access.
The successful operation was carried out by a joint team comprising Nigerian Army personnel and local security volunteers operating under the Sokoto State Government’s Community Protection Initiative. The raid is part of a wider offensive aimed at dismantling bandit strongholds and restoring peace to affected communities.
Recovered from the scene were arms, ammunition, and communication devices. Troops have since intensified pursuit operations to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.
Source: Zagazola Makama