Kaduna State authorities have confirmed the death of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Tukur Sharme, following a violent confrontation between rival gangs in the Rijana and Kaso Forests.
The clash, which took place on Saturday, led to the death of Sharme and two other bandits, with five others suffering severe injuries.
According to The PUNCH, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made the announcement on Monday in a statement released from the state capital.
Aruwan said the fratricidal clash marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against banditry in the Northwest region, particularly in Kaduna State.
“After diligent follow-up operations and exploitation of vast human intelligence networks, it can be happily reported that the notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Tukur Sharme, and other bandits have been killed in a fratricidal clash,” Aruwan stated.
Sharme, who was heavily involved in a series of violent crimes across Kaduna and neighboring states, had long evaded capture despite being on the radar of security forces.
His group was responsible for numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings, including the abduction of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kujama on July 5, 2021.
“The clash, which took place around a location known as Hambakko, enabled some kidnapped citizens to escape captivity,” Aruwan noted. He added that five bandits were injured in the fight and are believed to be hiding in the area, seeking medical assistance.
Residents of the region were urged to report any suspicious individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. “We call on the public not to assist these criminals in any way. Instead, they should contact the security forces immediately,” the commissioner advised, assuring that any information provided would be treated confidentially.
The commissioner also emphasized the significance of Sharme’s death, given his role in terrorizing villages and towns in Kachia, Chikun, Kajuru, and other parts of Kaduna, as well as in Katsina and Niger states.
“Sharme’s death is a major success in the fight against banditry in our state and beyond,” Aruwan concluded.
Authorities have provided contact numbers for residents to report suspicious activities, reinforcing their commitment to addressing the banditry crisis that has plagued the region.
