A suspected gun runner has allegedly disappeared after collecting ₦95 million from a notorious bandit leader in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, promising to procure and deliver firearms.
The allegation was made by the member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu, popularly known as General. According to him, the suspect received the money to supply sophisticated weapons but fled with the entire amount and has not been seen since.
Hon. Aliyu disclosed the incident during an interview with NTA Hausa, as reported by News Century TV.
The lawmaker said the development comes amid rising security concerns in the Matazu axis, linking it to reports that a feared bandit leader, Kachalla Maha, recently withdrew from local peace agreements.
According to him, since abandoning the truce, the bandit kingpin has allegedly imposed heavy livestock levies on several communities, worsening insecurity and placing additional pressure on residents.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of criminal networks involved in illegal arms trafficking and the growing security challenges confronting parts of Katsina State.
In a separate development, more than 60 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were reportedly killed during an intelligence-led security operation in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), with support from members of the Katsina State Community Vigilante and specially trained local hunters.
The operation was reportedly launched to thwart a planned reprisal attack on communities in the area, although security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the reported casualties.
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