Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism in the North West recorded a decisive breakthrough following the elimination of Yellow Danbokolo — a notorious field commander linked to the deadly Turji-led terror syndicate. The operation, which was spearheaded by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in conjunction with the elite HYBRID Forces, unfolded on June 23 in the Chida axis of Fakai District, Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Danbokolo, considered one of the most dangerous insurgents in the region, sustained critical injuries during a fierce encounter with the security forces and died three days later, on June 26, while attempting to flee to Kamarawa village in neighbouring Isa LGA, Sokoto State.
According to security insiders, the operation was the result of meticulous planning and intelligence gathering. The first wave of the assault caught the terrorists off guard, leading to the neutralisation of at least 25 armed fighters and the destruction of several fortified camps.
Danbokolo, believed to have been commanding the defence of the enclave, launched a desperate counterattack to repel the advancing troops. However, he was struck multiple times in the abdomen and chest during the exchange of gunfire. His comrades’ attempts to extract and treat him proved futile, with local informants and intercepted radio traffic later confirming his death.
“This marks a significant shift in our efforts against insurgents in the region,” a senior security source revealed. “Danbokolo’s death has disrupted the operational flow of the Turji faction.”
Despite the operational victory, the mission did not come without losses. A counterstrike led by Turji himself, who reportedly rallied over 100 fighters in retaliation, resulted in the death of 13 personnel — ten from the HYBRID Forces and three civilian collaborators, including a former militia leader, Bashir Maniya, and two of his trusted allies. Another 23 operatives sustained injuries of varying severity.
The fall of Danbokolo triggered scenes of jubilation across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States. Local residents who had lived under the shadow of his terror expressed immense relief.
“For over five years, he terrorised our people, collected levies by force, and punished those who resisted. His end is a blessing,” said Alhaji Lawal Gatawa, a respected elder from Gatawa village.
Another local contact added, “Danbokolo was the field arm of Turji. He led the attacks while Turji stayed behind and later took the credit. His elimination is a major crack in their structure.”
Beyond his combat role, Danbokolo was a key figure in managing the group’s logistics, forest movement routes, and planning attacks against both civilians and security personnel. Experts believe his death could cause temporary disarray within the Turji network.
“Taking Danbokolo out is like removing the gearbox from an operational vehicle — everything else grinds to a halt,” remarked a counterinsurgency analyst in Sokoto.
While the DSS has yet to issue an official statement — in line with its customary silence on operational matters — credible sources within the intelligence community have described the operation as one of the most strategically impactful missions in recent times.
With the neutralisation of one of the most feared terror commanders in the region, hopes are high that sustained operations of this nature will continue to weaken insurgent structures and restore relative peace to communities long gripped by fear.
Source:@Zagazola Makama
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