Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division have killed Kachalla Kallamu, a deputy to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, during a coordinated military operation in Sokoto State.
The operation was carried out in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, where soldiers targeted bandit enclaves as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks terrorising communities in the state.
A senior military source, who confirmed the development to Chronicle Reporters on Tuesday, described Kallamu’s death as “a major blow to the Turji network,” noting that he was one of Bello Turji’s most trusted lieutenants.
According to the source, Kallamu was killed alongside one of Turji’s principal logistics suppliers during a dawn offensive near Kurawa village on Monday. The operation, the source added, benefited from critical intelligence and support provided by local vigilante groups.
“Kallamu had been on our radar for months. His elimination marks a significant step in weakening the bandit structure in Sabon Birni and surrounding communities,” the military source said.
Kallamu, a native of Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni, was widely feared for leading violent attacks, kidnappings and raids on rural communities. He was believed to have fled to Kogi State after escaping a military onslaught in June 2025, but intelligence reports indicated he recently sneaked back into Sokoto.
The source further commended residents for providing actionable intelligence, stressing that cooperation between local communities and security agencies has played a key role in recent operational successes against banditry.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd.), has lauded the troops for what he described as their “sustained determination and professionalism” in the fight against banditry, assuring residents of the government’s continued support for security operations across the state.
Security operations are expected to continue in the area as troops intensify efforts to track down remaining members of the Turji network and restore lasting peace to affected communities.