SOKOTO NOTORIOUS BANDIT LEADER DAN DARI BIYAR NEUTRALISED BY NIGERIAN TROOPS. (PHOTO).

 SOKOTO NOTORIOUS BANDIT LEADER DAN DARI BIYAR NEUTRALISED BY NIGERIAN TROOPS

26th July, 2025     |    1:04 PM 

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised a notorious bandit leader identified as Dan Dari Biyar during a clearance operation in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Security sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the infamous kingpin was killed on Thursday while attempting to collect ransom from relatives of kidnapped victims in the forest corridor between Turtsawa, Mazau, and Zango villages.

Dan Dari Biyar, whose nickname stemmed from his chilling catchphrase, “I prefer ₦500 to a Hausa man,” had long terrorised communities with extreme brutality. He was known for mocking his victims before demanding hefty ransom payments and was linked to numerous violent crimes in Sokoto East.

Military intelligence reports indicate that the bandit leader operated out of the dense Tidibale forest, launching coordinated attacks on communities in Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwaronyo. He was also reportedly behind the notorious razing of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis.

The clearance operation, which involved a joint team of Nigerian Army personnel and local security volunteers from the Sokoto State Government’s community protection initiative, is part of a broader offensive to eliminate criminal hideouts in the region.

Recovered from the scene were assorted arms, ammunition, and communication devices. Meanwhile, troops are continuing the pursuit of fleeing members of his gang believed to have escaped the ambush.

The military has intensified operations in forested enclaves across the Sokoto East senatorial zone, vowing to rid the region of all terrorist and bandit threats.