Several media platforms and online commentators have circulated reports claiming that 173 bandits were killed by local vigilante groups during an operation in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State over the weekend.
Verdict:
❌ False and Unverified. There is no evidence to support the claim that 173 bandits were killed by vigilantes. All available, verified information confirms that only one coordinated operation took place in Shinkafi during the stated period, and it was conducted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in conjunction with HYBRID Forces on June 23, 2025, not over the weekend as claimed.
Full Report:
Over the weekend, multiple reports surfaced online alleging that 173 bandits were neutralised by vigilante groups in Shinkafi, Zamfara State. These reports failed to provide any specific dates, names of the vigilante units involved, or verifiable images/videos to corroborate the alleged mass killing.
However, a review of reliable field intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, reveals that no such vigilante-led operation occurred in Shinkafi during the said period.
Instead, the only confirmed and documented operation was carried out on June 23, 2025, by DSS operatives and HYBRID Forces, a trained counter-banditry group composed of former CJTF elements, targeting a known terror enclave of Bello Turji -led by notorious bandit commander Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, a cousin and top field commander of Bello Turji.
During the first wave of the operation, 25 bandits were confirmed killed, while several others were injured. Among the injured was Danbokolo himself, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds during a firefight as he led a counter-ambush against the advancing operatives.
Danbokolo’s Flight and Final Moments:
Following his injuries, Danbokolo was evacuated by his men in a desperate bid to save his life. Zagazola Makama tracked the sequence of his movements, pieced together through local sources and intercepted communications:
He was first taken to Shanawa village, but the medical support there was inadequate.
He was moved to Kuriyan Dambo, where he stayed for about a day and a half.
Due to the lack of improvement, he was evacuated again to Maresuwa, where a local doctor treated him without success.
Still deteriorating, Danbokolo was rushed to Burkawa, where further efforts failed.
On the way to Baje, he reportedly lost consciousness and began showing signs he would not survive.
He was finally moved to Kamarawa, where he died on July 26, 2025, three days after the initial attack.
No other security or vigilante-led operation took place in the Shinkafi axis during this period.
There is also no official statement or credible photographic/video evidence to support the claim of 173 bandit fatalities by vigilantes.
Called from Zagazola Makama
