The military has successfully destroyed a notorious bandit stronghold known as “Dabar Dan Dari Biyar,” located in the Sakkarawa Forest of western Sabon Birni. The operation, carried out by the troops of ‘Operation FANSAN YANMA’ in collaboration with local vigilantes and community defence groups, resulted in the death of several bandits and the rescue of a key hostage who had been held captive for two months.
The attack on February 17, 2025, was a major success for the security forces. According to intelligence sources, many bandits were killed, but some, including the leader of the group, managed to escape. Despite the losses, the operation has been hailed as a success for weakening the stronghold of bandits that have been terrorising local communities for years.
The Sakkarawa Forest area, especially the “Dabar Dan Dari Biyar” camp, had been a centre of criminal activity in the region, with bandits carrying out kidnappings, robberies, and other violent crimes. For months, the camp had remained a safe haven for these criminals, who had operated with impunity in the area. However, with the recent raid, security forces have dealt a major blow to the group.
A major breakthrough came when one of the victim’s held hostages by the bandits was rescued during the operation. The survivor, who had been held in the infamous Gwali Gwali camp by bandit kingpin Kachalla Dan Dari Biyar, revealed chilling details of his captivity.
The rescued man had been held for two months, during which time he was subjected to gruelling conditions. He described the Gwali Gwali camp as a well-organised base. There were seating arrangements and makeshift beds, indicating that the bandits had established a level of structure within their hideout. This discovery suggests that the bandits were not simply a disorganised group of criminals but had developed a highly coordinated system, with clear roles and an operational strategy.
More disturbingly, the rescued victim disclosed the bandits’ plans to deliver a ₦2 million ransom along with a motorcycle to Boko Haram fighters. This transaction was part of an agreement in which the bandits were to exchange the ransom and motorcycle for hostages held by the notorious terrorist group.
This information has proven invaluable to security agencies, as it provides not only a glimpse into the operations of the bandits but also details of their connections to terrorist groups such as Boko Haram. Such intelligence will no doubt inform future operations to dismantle the bandits’ network and disrupt their activities.
The raid on the Sakkarawa Forest is part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to address the growing banditry problem in the northern parts of the country. Over the past few years, bandit groups have been responsible for numerous attacks on villages, kidnapping for ransom, and violent confrontations with security forces. These groups are believed to have links with larger terrorist networks, including Boko Haram, and their activities have caused widespread fear and displacement in affected regions.
The Nigerian government, alongside local vigilantes and community defence groups, has been intensifying efforts to rid the country of these criminal elements. The military has launched several operations aimed at clearing bandit strongholds in the northwest and other parts of the country. However, despite the successes, challenges remain, particularly as some of the bandits continue to evade capture.
The involvement of local communities in these operations has been instrumental. Community defence groups and vigilantes often have valuable knowledge of the terrain and the movements of the bandits, enabling security forces to target their strongholds more effectively.
Following the raid on the Dabar Dan Dari Biyar camp, the troops have intensified their efforts to pursue the fleeing bandits and ensure that the area is completely cleared of criminal elements. The escape of several bandits, including their leader, poses a challenge, but security forces are hopeful that the intelligence gathered from the rescued victim will lead to further successful operations in the near future.
This operation has not only disrupted the activities of the bandit group but also provided crucial information that could help dismantle the larger criminal network operating in the region. The fight against banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria is far from over, but the success of this mission is a hopeful sign that security forces are making progress in addressing the crisis.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly promised to tackle the problem of banditry and terrorism, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach involving the military, local law enforcement, and community groups. The recent success in Sakkarawa Forest is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the grip of criminal groups in the country’s northern regions.
However, experts have warned that the problem of banditry cannot be solved by military action alone. There is a need for a comprehensive strategy that includes addressing the root causes of criminality, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education. In addition, efforts must be made to strengthen the local communities’ capacity to resist criminal groups and prevent the recruitment of vulnerable individuals into these networks.
For the people of Sabon Birni and surrounding areas, the destruction of the Dabar Dan Dari Biyar camp is a welcome relief. Residents have lived in fear of the bandits for years, with many forced to flee their homes to escape attacks. The recent operation is seen as a positive step towards restoring peace and security to the area. However, while the military’s efforts are commendable, locals have called for continued vigilance and support to prevent the resurgence of banditry.
The destruction of the Dabar Dan Dari Biyar bandit stronghold is a significant victory for Nigerian security forces. The operation has not only resulted in the elimination of several bandits but has also provided crucial intelligence that will aid future operations. The rescued victim’s testimony sheds light on the dangerous connections between bandits and terrorist groups, highlighting the need for a broader strategy to address the country’s security challenges.
