Notorious Bandit Kingpin Released from Niger Republic Prison Returns to Northwest Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit kingpin, Kachallah Bammi Yarma, who was jailed in Niger Republic in 2015, has been released after serving his sentence and has now returned to the northwest region of Nigeria, specifically Katsina State, nine years after.
Bammi Yarma, regarded as one of the deadliest bandits in the region, was captured in 2015 during the tenure of former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.
His arrest was a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry, as he was caught smuggling arms using nine camels in Danmusa, Katsina State.
At the time, authorities seized 1,000 livestock belonging to his network and disrupted a critical supply chain for bandit operations in the region. He was later convicted and imprisoned by the authorities in Niger Republic.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that he has reappeared in northwest Nigeria, where he previously led violent attacks, mass kidnappings, and cattle rustling operations.
His return has triggered fear given his influence among bandit networks across Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states.
Intelligence sources indicate that top bandit leaders have been paying homage to him, some reportedly gifting him multiple firearms, including five to ten rifles each.
His re-emergence could significantly escalate violent activities in the Northwest, an area already plagued by insecurity.
Bammi was known not only for his own criminal exploits but also for eliminating rival bandit kingpins, including Kachallah Kundu and several others.
There is a fear that his return could trigger renewed conflict among bandit factions or embolden existing networks to escalate attacks on rural communities.
His reputation as a feared warlord extends beyond Nigeria, as even other terrorist factions operating in Niger and parts of the Sahel region reportedly feared his influence.
His activities included mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and widespread attacks on villages across Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara states.
