Troops Kill Turji’s Lieutenant, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sokoto Operation

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, Sokoto, have neutralised a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in a major offensive carried out in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A reliable military source disclosed the development to newsmen on Wednesday, describing it as a “significant operational breakthrough” in the ongoing campaign against banditry in the North-West.

According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Kallamu, a close associate and senior lieutenant of the infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji was gunned down during a coordinated operation conducted in collaboration with local vigilante groups.

The source further revealed that one of Turji’s key logistics suppliers was also neutralised in the early hours of Monday around Kurawa village, where troops of the 8 Division launched a decisive attack on the criminals’ hideout.

“Kallamu has been a major figure in the banditry architecture in Sabon Birni axis. Neutralising him is a major boost for troops on the frontline,” the source said.

Kallamu, who hailed from Garin Idi in Sabon Birni LGA, was notorious for terrorising rural communities within the area.

His activities had contributed to widespread insecurity and displacement across several villages in Sokoto State.

It was learnt that he recently resurfaced in the area after fleeing a previous military onslaught in June 2025, during which he reportedly sought refuge in Kogi State to evade arrest.

The source commended residents for the timely intelligence support provided to troops, saying such collaboration had strengthened ongoing counter-banditry operations.

Meanwhile, citizens and government officials, including the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, have continued to celebrate the success of the latest operation, describing it as a “step forward” in restoring peace to affected communities.