A civil society organisation, the Security Watch Network for Good Governance, has hailed the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for the recent elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Dan Isihu. The group described the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat criminality in the North-West region of the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Abdullahi Fagge, the group said Dan Isihu, who had long terrorised communities across Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, was neutralised in a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led military operation.
The group particularly commended Dr. Matawalle for what it described as his proactive leadership and commitment to national security. It referenced the Minister’s visit to the North-West region in late 2023, during which he charged troops to intensify the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.
“Dr. Matawalle has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership as Minister of State for Defence by boosting troop morale and ensuring the welfare of personnel on the frontlines,” the statement said.
“We commend the gallant troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose professionalism and bravery led to the elimination of Dan Isihu—a notorious figure implicated in mass abductions, deadly ambushes, cattle rustling, and the control of key ransom routes across the region. His elimination marks a major victory in the broader effort to restore peace and security in the North-West.”
The group also recalled the Minister’s engagement with military leadership and frontline troops during his visit to the region, noting that the progress made since then—especially the neutralisation of six major terror kingpins and the disappearance of infamous bandit leader Bello Turji—underscores the impact of sustained strategic oversight.
“With the successful operation against Dan Isihu, the country has recorded yet another milestone in its security efforts. We urge the Minister not to relent but to continue rallying troops to eliminate remaining criminal hideouts and bring fugitives such as Bello Turji to justice,” the statement added.
The Security Watch Network for Good Governance further called for sustained military pressure and a comprehensive security strategy to ensure long-term stability and safety across the North-West.
