Kaduna, Nigeria โ Kachalla Sharme, a feared and notorious bandit leader, was killed in a violent clash between rival bandit groups in Kaduna State, according to state officials. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Hambakko area within the Rijana and Kaso forests, which stretch across several local government areas including Kachia, Chikun, and Kajuru.
The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed Sharmeโs death in a statement on Monday. The clash left Sharme and two other bandits dead, while five others sustained severe injuries. The internal fighting, described as a “fratricidal clash,” was a rare instance of conflict between rival gangs operating in the region.
Sharme was known for his involvement in numerous kidnappings and attacks across Kaduna and nearby states, including the notorious abduction of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in July 2021. Security forces had been tracking him for some time, but he had repeatedly managed to evade capture.
“This is a significant blow to banditry in the Northwest region,” said Aruwan, adding that Sharme’s death is considered a major victory in the ongoing battle against bandits terrorizing the area.
The commissioner urged local residents not to assist anyone seeking medical treatment for gunshot wounds and to report such individuals to the authorities immediately. The state security forces remain vigilant, with continued operations underway to track down the injured bandits still at large.
Sharmeโs death comes as a relief to many communities that have suffered from his gang’s criminal activities, including cattle rustling, killings, and mass kidnappings across Kaduna and neighboring states like Katsina and Niger.
The Kaduna government reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security in the state, while also encouraging residents to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement agencies.
