How DSS, HYBRID Forces Neutralised Notorious Bandit Commander Yellow Danbokolo, 25 Others in Decisive Zamfara Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
The war against terrorism and banditry by Nigeria’s security forces in the country’s troubled North West has recorded significant success following the killing of Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, who died in the aftermath of a daring offensive carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in a joint operation with the HYBRID Forces, on June 23 in the Chida general area of Fakai District, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Danbokolo, widely known as the principal field commander of the Turji-led terror network, died three days after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds during the operation.
Zagazola Makama had previously reported how the first phase of the operation achieved tactical surprise against the terrorists. At least 25 fighters were neutralised in the initial onslaught, while multiple camps were destroyed in a methodically planned sweep of the area.
Danbokolo, who was reportedly coordinating the defence of the enclave, led a ferocious ambush against the advancing operatives in a bid to repel them. During the intense firefight that followed, he sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen and lower chest.
Despite efforts by his fighters to evacuate him including a hasty retreat to Kamarawa village in neighbouring Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State Danbokolo succumbed to his injuries on June 26.
Security sources said his death, confirmed through intercepted communications and corroborated by local informants, marks a turning point in the battle against insurgency in the region.
Despite the success of the mission, it came at a cost. A counter-ambush led by Turji himself who mobilised over 100 fighters resulted in the deaths of 13 operatives: 10 from the HYBRID Forces and three private collaborators, including a former militant leader, Bashir Maniya, and two of his lieutenants. Twenty-three others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The news of Danbokolo’s death triggered widespread celebrations in communities across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
“For more than five years, Danbokolo ruled these forests like a warlord. His men collected taxes from farmers and killed anyone who refused. We are finally breathing again,” said Alhaji Lawal Gatawa, a community elder in Gatawa village.
“This is not just another kill; this is the removal of a key node in the entire operational structure of the Turji network. Turji doesn’t go for attacks he usually sends Danbokolo. And when they succeed, he comes out and makes videos,” another local source said.
Danbokolo’s death is not only symbolic but also strategically significant. Known for his deep knowledge of forest routes, logistics supply chains, and local terrain, he was instrumental in orchestrating attacks on both civilian and military targets, a senior intelligence source told Zagazola.
His neutralisation, according to analysts, is expected to create a leadership vacuum in the Turji camp and weaken the operational cohesion of the group, at least temporarily.
“Removing him from the battlefield is akin to taking the engine out of a moving truck,” said a security expert based in Sokoto.
The DSS has not issued a formal statement on the operation, in keeping with the agency’s tradition of discretion. However, sources within the security establishment have described the mission as a major success.
