Bandit kingpin Kachalla Mai Shayi, 12 followers killed in ambush by rival gang

Gang members of slain bandit kingpin Kachalla Nagala have launched an ambush on their rival, Kachalla Mai Shayi and his followers.

The incident occurred between the villages of Buroyi and Buzaya, near Sangerawa in Bini district, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

This was made known on Monday Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, in a post on his X handle.

Makama said Shayi and 12 of his men were killed.

He stated that the bandit kingpin was a key lieutenant of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Yellow Mai Balli Balli.

"The ambush appears to be part of an ongoing cycle of revenge attacks among rival bandit factions in the forested areas of Zamfara.

"The feud began after Kachalla Yellow Mai Bille killed Kachalla Nagala, sparking ongoing violence among the gangs.

"The followers of the late Kachalla Nagala are now reportedly seeking to target Yellow Mai Bille, Sojan Zakwaui, and Yellon Emir in revenge for the death of their leader," Zagazola posted on X.

He added that the escalating violence between the groups have continued to claim lives of the bandits, including their leaders.