…His body dragged through roadway in victory parade

Hybrid security forces supporting counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations in Nigeria’s North-West have reportedly killed Kachalla Sani Yellow, a notorious bandit commander accused of masterminding deadly attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling and widespread sexual violence across Zamfara State, before dragging his body through a roadway in a victory procession.

PRNigeria obtained a video purportedly showing members of the hybrid force tying Sani Yellow’s lifeless body to a motorcycle and dragging it along a road as a convoy of armed volunteers celebrated what they described as the elimination of one of the region’s most feared criminal leaders.

The operation followed a carefully coordinated intelligence-led ambush, resulting in the death of the feared gang leader.

Highly placed security and community sources told PRNigeria that the hybrid forces—comprising local volunteers and reformed former insurgents from the North-East (Repented Boko Haram), working alongside security agencies in some operational areas—have become increasingly effective at tracking criminal movements through intelligence provided by local communities.

Their operations have focused on ambushing armed bandit convoys, disrupting logistics networks and targeting high-value commanders responsible for attacks on vulnerable communities.

According to the sources, Sani Yellow was intercepted while visiting a local market, where he had allegedly gone to collect proceeds from rustled livestock and negotiate ransom payments from kidnapped victims.

“He was positively identified through local intelligence. Once his identity was confirmed, the hybrid forces moved swiftly and neutralised him before he could escape,” one source disclosed.

Security sources described Sani Yellow as one of the most influential bandit commanders operating within the forests spanning Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring local government areas of Zamfara State.

He was allegedly responsible for coordinating repeated attacks on rural communities, organising large-scale kidnappings for ransom, rustling livestock and leading violent raids that displaced thousands of residents across the North-West.

Community sources further alleged that Sani Yellow routinely subjected kidnapped victims to severe abuse and reportedly ordered members of his gang to sexually assault female captives whose families were unable to raise ransom payments.

Sani Yellow was reported to be related to the late Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, another notorious North-West bandit commander who was reportedly killed in 2025 alongside more than 170 of his fighters during a major operation conducted by the Shinkafi Yan Sakai Volunteer Forces.

Security analysts believe the latest development represents another significant setback for criminal networks operating across Zamfara, Katsina and parts of Sokoto States.

A senior defence intelligence source, who spoke to PRNigeria on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that security agencies were monitoring developments following Sani Yellow’s reported killing.

According to the source, troops have heightened surveillance across affected communities to prevent possible retaliatory attacks by members of the deceased commander’s gang.

“The security architecture is already on alert. Necessary deployments have been made to protect vulnerable communities and respond promptly to any attempted reprisal,” the source said.

Security experts believe the reported elimination of Sani Yellow could weaken bandit operations in parts of Zamfara if sustained intelligence-driven operations continue against remaining criminal leaders.

However, they caution that such operations often trigger reprisals by surviving gang members, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance across the region.

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed Works Minister Dave Umahi’s invitation to a public debate, saying the minister must first become a presidential candidate before challenging him.

Obi made the remark during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo while responding to questions about Umahi’s call for a debate following his criticism of the condition of some federal roads.

The former Anambra State governor argued that the issue had already been resolved, noting that his criticism of a deteriorating road had prompted the government to begin repairs.

“First of all, I already started the debate by standing on that road and saying the road was bad. The only reply should have been that the road was good. But I thank him because he is now repairing the road, so the debate is closed. There is nothing else to debate.”

Obi maintained that if Umahi intended to challenge him in his capacity as a presidential candidate, the minister would first have to qualify for that position.

“If he is inviting me to a debate as a presidential candidate, then he has to become a presidential candidate first.”

Explaining his position, Obi likened the situation to a football team that failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup attempting to challenge one that had already earned its place in the tournament.

“The World Cup is going on now. You cannot stay outside and invite a team that qualified for the World Cup to come and play against you simply because you think you are good. No. There is a qualification process.”

He added that presidential debates are traditionally reserved for candidates seeking the nation’s highest office, insisting that such engagements should be between presidential contenders rather than ministers or other public office holders.

“I am a presidential candidate. Around the world, not all presidential candidates participate in debates. It is usually the leading candidates. It is like someone in Division One asking a Premier League team to play a match. No. You compete within your own level. When he becomes a presidential candidate, then he can debate with those who are in that category,” he added.

Umahi had earlier dismissed Obi’s criticism of the Tinubu administration and challenged him to a debate on the Federal Government’s performance, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure projects and appointments had transformed the South-East.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the arrest and detention of Professor Martin Aghaji, describing the incident as troubling and a sign of what he called a growing disregard for citizens’ rights and human dignity in the country.

Obi reacted on Saturday after reports emerged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested the renowned cardiothoracic surgeon before later releasing him and reportedly apologising for the action.

Professor Aghaji, a respected medical expert and former university administrator, is said to be one of the doctors linked to detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement shared on his X account, Obi expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the professor’s arrest.

He alleged that security operatives arrived at Aghaji’s residence in Enugu in the early hours of the morning and took him away without prior invitation or notification.

According to Obi, the 74-year-old surgeon was arrested in the presence of his daughter, who was visiting him at the time.

He argued that such an operation should have been handled in a more professional manner, especially considering the status and reputation of the medical practitioner.

The former Anambra State governor described Aghaji as a globally recognised surgeon, accomplished academic and respected elder statesman who has spent decades contributing to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Obi further claimed that after being taken from Enugu to Lagos, the professor was held for about three days before regaining his freedom. He said the authorities later apologised to him, allegedly admitting that his arrest was a mistake.

The former presidential candidate said the development raises concerns about the conduct of security agencies and the treatment of citizens, particularly professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving the country.

He warned that incidents of this nature could discourage skilled Nigerians from remaining in the country and contribute further to the migration of professionals abroad.

Obi noted that Nigeria is already facing serious challenges in the health sector due to the increasing departure of doctors and other healthcare workers. According to him, actions that appear to humiliate respected professionals only worsen the situation.

“The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals – and indeed any Nigerian – like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed Possible,” Obi said.

He stressed that all Nigerians, regardless of their profession, status or political affiliation, deserve to be treated in accordance with the law and with respect for their fundamental rights.