Terror Kingpin Kachalla Maidawa, 34 Others Killed in Fierce Gun Battle with Nigerian Troops

In a major security breakthrough, Nigerian troops have killed notorious terror kingpin Kachalla Maidawa and 34 members of his gang during a series of coordinated counterterrorism operations across several states.

The operations, conducted between September 29 and October 4, involved joint efforts by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Police, and Hybrid Forces. According to security sources, the mission dismantled several terrorist hideouts, leading to the arrest of 32 suspects, the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and logistics supplies.

A senior military source confirmed that Maidawa and 11 of his fighters were killed during a fierce gun battle in Isanlu, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. The operation, carried out under Operation Egwu Eke Atite III, was launched to foil a planned large-scale attack on communities in Kogi and Kwara states.

The source explained that troops engaged the terrorists in an intense exchange of fire, overpowering them and neutralising over a dozen, including Maidawa, who had long terrorised residents across Kogi East and parts of Kwara State.

Items recovered from the operation include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of mixed ammunition, four motorcycles, three dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones, and other materials.

Security analysts described the operation as a decisive victory for Nigerian forces, noting that the death of Maidawa marks a significant setback for terrorist networks operating in the North-Central region.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the offensive against criminal elements threatening national security and urged citizens to continue providing timely intelligence to support ongoing military operations.