Shinkafi, Zamfara State | July 1, 2025
In what many have described as a dramatic twist of fate, a former bandit-turned-vigilante, Bashir Maniya, has been credited with the killing of one of Nigeria’s most feared bandit leaders, Yellow Danbokolo, during a fierce security operation in Zamfara State. Maniya, however, lost his life in the same battle that saw the decimation of over 170 armed criminals.
Security sources confirmed that the daring raid, which occurred in Shinkafi Local Government Area, was executed by a joint team of local volunteer fighters and security personnel. Bashir Maniya, once a notorious bandit himself, had renounced crime and emerged as a leader in the community’s fightback against the violent armed groups plaguing the region.
According to residents and local authorities, Maniya led the surprise offensive against Danbokolo’s camp, acting on intelligence that the feared warlord and his men had regrouped after recent clashes. The operation reportedly lasted over two hours, with intense gunfire exchanges leading to the deaths of Yellow Danbokolo and more than 170 of his fighters.
Maniya was hailed for his bravery, having personally confronted Danbokolo during the assault. The notorious warlord, known to be more ruthless than his cousin Bello Turji, reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the leg before succumbing to his injuries in the chaos that followed.
However, the victory came at a steep cost. Bashir Maniya died during the operation when the vehicle he was riding in veered into a ditch. Though initial speculation pointed to enemy fire, officials clarified that the accident occurred due to the unfamiliar terrain and not a direct attack.
Community leaders and residents have expressed mixed emotions over Maniya’s death. While some mourn his passing, many praised his redemption arc, transforming from a feared criminal to a frontline warrior against terror.
“He was once feared for the wrong reasons, but he died a hero who helped restore dignity to this land,” said a local elder. “His actions prove that change is possible and that even the most unlikely individuals can stand for what is right.”
With Danbokolo’s death, local security experts believe the balance of power among criminal networks in Zamfara has been disrupted. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Bello Turji, another key bandit commander, has gone into hiding amid fears of further offensives.
As the region recovers from years of terror, the story of Bashir Maniya, who gave his life to end that of a more dreaded figure, will likely be remembered as a powerful, if tragic, symbol of transformation and sacrifice in Nigeria’s war against banditry.
