Kachallah Bammi Yarma, a notorious bandit kingpin who had been imprisoned in Niger Republic since 2015, has been released after serving his sentence.
He returned to Katsina nearly nine years later.
This was contained in a statement shared on the X handle of Zagazola Makama, a security analyst.
Bammi Yarma, known for his violent and deadly activities, was arrested in 2015 during the tenure of former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.
He was apprehended while attempting to smuggle arms on nine camels in Danmusa, Katsina State.
“At the time of his arrest, authorities seized 1,000 livestock belonging to his network, significantly disrupting a key supply chain for bandit operations,” said an intelligence source.
Bammi Yarma was subsequently convicted and imprisoned in Niger Republic for his role in the widespread banditry activities.
However, intelligence sources have now confirmed his re-emergence in the northwest region, raising concerns about the impact of his return.
Bandit leaders from various groups are reportedly paying homage to Bammi Yarma, with some gifting him firearms, including five to ten rifles each.
Bammi Yarma’s criminal activities include leading violent attacks, mass kidnappings, and cattle rustling across several northern states.
He was also known for eliminating rival bandit kingpins, such as Kachallah Kundu.
His notorious reputation extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, with reports suggesting that even terrorist factions in Niger and the broader Sahel region feared his influence.