A wave of relief has swept across Sabon Birni, a restive community in Sokoto State, as residents celebrate the death of notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Dan Dari Biyar.
The infamous criminal, known for his brutal reign and dehumanising remarks, was neutralised in a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Dan Dari Biyar was ambushed while attempting to collect ransom money around the Turtsawa, Mazau, and Zango axis, notorious hotspots for kidnapping and banditry in the region.
His nickname — “₦500 Man” — was derived from his repeated claim that he preferred five hundred naira to the life of a Hausa person, a chilling expression of his disregard for human life.
Residents of Sabon Birni and neighbouring communities have since taken to the streets and local mosques to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
“This is the first time in years that we’ve seen genuine action and results,” said Malam Ibrahim, a community elder in Gidan Sale, one of the villages previously attacked by Dan Dari Biyar’s gang.
The operation comes on the heels of a recent high-level visit to Sokoto by Defence Minister Matawalle and General Musa, where they charged military commanders to take bold steps to end insecurity in the North-West.
Since the visit, intensified military operations have led to the elimination of several high-profile bandits, including the feared Haliru Sububu.
Observers say these victories underscore a more coordinated and aggressive strategy by the Tinubu administration to dismantle terror networks in Nigeria’s northern regions.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has also been credited for streamlining intelligence and operational planning across the armed forces.
“This success gives us hope,” said Aisha Umar, a widow whose husband was killed in a past raid. “We pray the military doesn’t relent until peace fully returns.”