Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Kingpin Hamisu ‘Mamiyo’ in Katsina Raid as Boss Escapes Wounded

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

Nigerian troops have killed two high-profile bandit commanders, including notorious gunrunner and kingpin Hamisu, popularly known as Muhammadu Hamisu or Mamiyo, during a dawn raid in Katsina State.

The operation, carried out on Monday by troops of the 17 Brigade under Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted a bandit enclave in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.

Military sources said Mamiyo and another senior operative identified as Umar Bocho were neutralised during the encounter, while their alleged leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, escaped after sustaining serious gunshot wounds.

Mamiyo was reportedly regarded as a major logistics figure within the bandit network and was suspected of supplying firearms and other materials to criminal groups operating across the Northwest.

His elimination is expected to disrupt the group’s logistics and operational capabilities, particularly its access to weapons, motorcycles and other supplies used in attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities.

During the operation, troops also recovered and destroyed two motorcycles belonging to the group.

The raid is part of the ongoing military campaign to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states, where armed groups have continued to pose a serious security threat.

Mamiyo had previously come under security forces’ radar. In July 2025, troops operating under Operation Fasin Yamma, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly arrested him during operations targeting bandit hideouts in Zamfara and Sokoto.

That operation also resulted in the rescue of 106 kidnapped victims in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while additional hostages were freed through non-kinetic engagements.

Security forces had also recovered weapons, motorcycles, illicit drugs, logistics supplies and cash during the 2025 operation.

His alleged position as a gunrunner and logistics chief reportedly made him a strategically important target for security agencies, as such commanders can play a critical role in sustaining armed groups by providing weapons, transportation and other resources.

Meanwhile, troops are continuing efforts to locate Filani, who reportedly fled the latest encounter with severe gunshot wounds.

Security agencies have also alerted medical facilities in the area to be vigilant for patients presenting with suspected gunshot injuries as the search for the wounded commander continues.

The military said operations under Operation Fansan Yamma remain ongoing as troops intensify efforts to degrade bandit and terrorist networks and restore security across the Northwest.