From Bandit To Hero: How Bashir Maniya Killed Yellow Danbokolo Before Paying the Ultimate Price

Bashir Maniya, once a dreaded bandit kingpin in Zamfara State, died a hero after shooting and fatally wounding the notorious terrorist commander Yellow Danbokolo during a covert security operation in the Fakai forest.

Maniya, who had renounced his criminal past and was working with the Department of State Services (DSS), was part of a special team that included operatives from the elite HYBRID unit deployed from Maiduguri. The joint force launched a decisive offensive targeting three major terrorist camps in the Shinkafi-Fakai axis: Bello Turji’s base in Dutsin Kuris, Malam Ila’s camp in Kagara forest, and Danbokolo’s stronghold in the same Fakai forest.

As the operation unfolded, Turji’s men launched a deadly ambush. In the ensuing chaos, one of the armored vehicles overturned. Bashir Maniya, wounded but undeterred, exited the damaged vehicle and engaged the enemy. He managed to kill three bandits and shoot Danbokolo in the leg, a critical injury that ultimately led to the bandit leader’s death.

However, Maniya’s courage came at a heavy cost. Isolated and outnumbered, he was captured and beheaded by Turji’s fighters. His death was later confirmed by Bello Turji in a video released to his network, where he displayed the wrecked armored vehicle and identified Maniya as the slain officer.

Despite false reports circulating online that local vigilantes carried out the operation, multiple security sources, including top members of the Zamfara State Security Guards (Askarawa), confirmed that no vigilante group was involved. The operation was executed by trained security operatives and federal forces, with no civilian militia participation.

Following his injury, Yellow Danbokolo was frantically moved by his men to several locations in a desperate effort to save him. He was first taken to Shanawa, then Kuriyan Dambo, followed by Maresuwa and Burkawa, before finally being moved to Kamarawa, where he died on June 26, 2025—three days after the gunshot wound inflicted by Maniya.

A total of 25 bandits were neutralized during the mission. The Nigerian forces, however, lost 13 men, including 10 HYBRID operatives and three volunteers. Bashir Maniya, a man once feared in the forests of Zamfara, died fighting for peace and justice. His transformation and sacrifice mark a powerful chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against banditry and insurgency.

By Zagazola Makama