By Zagazola Makama

A bandit kingpin identified as Kachallah Auwalu has been killed during a violent clash between rival armed groups in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna state security sources has confirmed.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred on April 18 at about 1635 hrs in the Maganda general area, a known forest corridor linked to repeated armed group activities in the region.

Kachallah Auwalu was reportedly a prominent figure within one of the armed factions operating under a rival network, with alleged influence over activities in Maganda, Kuyello, and Dogon Dawa axis.

Security sources said the clash was part of an internal confrontation between competing armed groups, which has continued to escalate within forested settlements in the area.

Further reports from the field suggested that the fighting remained ongoing at the time of filing the report, with unconfirmed indications that additional casualties may have been recorded among the armed elements involved.

It was also gathered that another armed faction, allegedly led by Dogo Gide, was mobilising towards the scene of the clash.

The sources said that troops under Sector 1 of Operation Fansan Yamma have been placed on alert and tasked with monitoring the situation closely, with directives to take advantage of emerging opportunities to neutralise armed elements and prevent further escalation.

The sources added said surveillance and intelligence-driven operations have been intensified across Birnin Gwari and adjoining communities as efforts continue to stabilise the area and deny criminal groups freedom of action.