A leader of the Kebbi State branch of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, Musa Hussaini-Rambo, has explained how a joint security operation neutralised a bandit kingpin, Yellow, on Tuesday.
He has been on the wanted list of security forces for kidnapping, raping and killing residents for more than seven years.
“Luck ran out of him on Tuesday in Danko/Wasagu Local Area of the state,” Hussaini-Rambo told the News Agency of Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
He said: “Some of our members in a joint patrol, comprising military and police agents, were alerted on the attack by Yellow and his members in Danko/Wasagu area on Tuesday.
“Prior to the attack, there was a letter the bandit leader sent to one of our members, who later shot the bandit kingpin to death.
“In the letter, the bandit ironically threatened our member that he should be wary of the day they would meet face-to-face.
“He even added that it would be our man’s last day on earth.
“God answered the bandit’s prayer, and they met in that operation.
“Our member located him and they saw each other.
“Our member did not die, but Yellow did.”
The Commander said it was a huge victory for the security agencies.
“The bandits were of the belief that no one could kill Yellow with a gun because of his charms and witchcraft,” he said.
Hussaini-Rambo said that Yellow and his gang had carried out more than five attacks in the area since the beginning of 2023.
The hunters’ leader appreciated security agencies in the state for carrying them along.
“We are calling on the state and local governments to assist our members, as we are willing to help in ensuring that security is strengthened in forests and other parts of the state,” he said.
Hussaini-Rambo appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service Bill passed by the National Assembly.
He said that signing the bill into law would empower hunters to confront criminals.
“It would also enable government to recruit thousands of young men and women as hunters and forest guards, which would help to solve acute unemployment in the country,” the hunters leader added.