JUST IN: Notorious bandit leader Dan Dari Biyar killed in Sokoto

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Operation Fansan Yanma have killed a notorious bandit leader Dan Dari Biyar.

Biyar was said to have been neutralised during a clearance operation by the troops in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert said Biyar was killed on Thursday after he tried to collect ransom for some of his kidnapped victims.

The ransom was brought to the forest by relatives of his captives, Makama noted.

“Dan Dari Biyar, whose nickname was derived from his infamous catchphrase “I prefer ₦500 to a Hausa man” was known for his brutality against kidnap victims, often mocking them before demanding large sums in ransom.

“He was reportedly based deep within the Tidibale forest, from where he launched coordinated attacks on communities in Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwaronyo, including the notorious razing of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis,” the security expert stated.

He also noted that military sources said intelligence reports linked Biyar to several attacks including arson, ambushes among others in Sokoto East senatorial zone.

He added that the operation which led to Biyar’s killing was carried out by a joint team of the Nigerian Army and local security volunteers under the Sokoto State Government’s community protection initiative.

Weapons of various calibre were also recovered from the operation by the troops while some members of Biyar’s gang fled the location.