Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YANMA have killed a notorious bandit leader known as Dan Dari Biyar during a clearance operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to security sources, Dan Dari Biyar was shot dead on Thursday while trying to collect ransom money from the families of kidnapped victims in the forest area between Turtsawa, Mazau, and Zango villages.
The bandit leader, whose nickname came from his infamous statement, “I prefer N500 to a Hausa man,” was known for his cruelty towards hostages, often mocking them before demanding large ransoms.
He was believed to operate from deep inside Tidibale forest and was responsible for several attacks on communities in Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwaronyo. His gang also burned down Gidan Sale village in the Gundumi area.
Military intelligence had linked him to numerous raids, ambushes, and arson attacks in the Sokoto East senatorial district, especially in remote forest hideouts.
The operation, part of an ongoing military campaign to clear out bandits and destroy their camps, was carried out by a combined force of army troops and local security volunteers under Sokoto State’s community protection initiative.
Weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment were recovered from the site, and troops are continuing to pursue other fleeing mem
bers of his gang.
