Notorious Bandit Leader Reportedly Killed in Rival Gang Clash in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit leader identified as Kachalla Haire, popularly known as the “Mala’ikan Mada,” has reportedly been killed during a violent clash between rival bandit factions in Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on 8 May 2026 following a disagreement among armed bandit groups over the sharing of belongings and valuables linked to a deceased gang leader.
The sources said the confrontation escalated into a deadly gun battle among the rival factions, leading to the reported killing of Haire and several other fighters.
Haire was said to have operated extensively around the Mada axis in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara and had long been linked to a series of attacks, killings, kidnappings and other violent activities across affected communities.
Residents in parts of the area reportedly expressed relief over the development, describing the deceased bandit leader as one of the notorious figures responsible for years of insecurity and fear in the region.
The latest development is believed to be part of the growing internal rivalries and leadership disputes among armed bandit groups operating across Zamfara, Katsina and parts of the North-West region.
Security forces have continued intensified offensives, intelligence-led operations and air-ground assaults against criminal enclaves in a bid to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across the region.
