Bandits Confirm Killing Of Kachalla Muhammadu’s Lieutenant Biliya In Botched Operation In Katsina

By Zagazola Makama

Bandits operating in Katsina State have confirmed the killing of a senior lieutenant to notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu, identified as Biliya, during a botched operation by the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in the Matazu axis of the state.

Sources who closely monitored the situation said on August 14, 2026, it was revealed that Biliya was killed after his gang came under an ambush by troops during an operation in the area.

According to intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, the confirmation emerged at about 11:34 p.m. during a conversation between two suspected bandit associates, identified as Mamiyo and Juli Asso Maha.

During the conversation, Juli reportedly asked Mamiyo about the fate of Biliya, a lieutenant to Kachalla Muhammadu whose death had apparently generated concern among the criminal group.

Mamiyo, who was said to have just returned from Kachalla Muhammadu’s location, confirmed that Biliya and members of his gang had embarked on an operation towards the northern part of their location in the Matazu axis.

According to the account, the gang entered an undisclosed town during the operation and, at some point, left Biliya inside a shop.

The situation reportedly changed shortly afterwards when the group came under attack from security forces. The security forces were said to have ambushed the bandits, resulting in the death of Biliya.

Mamiyo disclosed that the group subsequently confirmed Biliya’s death after returning to the location of their leader.

The information reportedly caused anger and frustration among the bandits, with Juli expressing fury over the killing of the senior lieutenant.

The development is significant as Biliya was described within the group as one of the lieutenants operating under Kachalla Muhammadu, a prominent bandit commander active in parts of Katsina State.

The latest intelligence also provides an insight into the movement and operational pattern of the criminal group, including their continued attempts to conduct operations around communities in the Matazu axis.

Troops have continued to intensify operations against bandit groups operating across Katsina and neighbouring states, targeting their commanders, fighters, logistics networks and hideouts.

The reported killing of Biliya is expected to further disrupt the operational structure of Kachalla Muhammadu’s group, particularly if the deceased was directly involved in coordinating armed operations.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the reported killing.