A notorious bandit leader known as Shekau, infamous for his ruthless operations along the Narewo River bank in Kachia Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, has been killed in an ambush by a rival faction led by Shumo. The attack, which took place on March 5, 2025, marks a violent escalation in the ongoing turf wars among bandit groups in the region.
Intelligence sources revealed to Zagazola Makama that Shumo, a native of Ragadada, Buruku in Birnin Gwari LGA, orchestrated the ambush as retribution for an earlier assault by Shekau. “Shekau had seized [Shumo’s] weapons and killed several of his fighters,” a source disclosed, fueling the deadly reprisal that claimed Shekau’s life along with several of his lieutenants.
Following the ambush, Shekau and his fallen associates were buried by individuals identified as Yellow Million, Baba Kusa, and an imam from Kabode village in Kachia LGA. The clash underscores the intensifying rivalries among bandit factions, which have led to multiple casualties in recent months.
While banditry in Kaduna has significantly declined due to the non-kinetic efforts of the state government and security agencies, the persistent infighting among criminal groups continues to pose a challenge. Shekau, who styled himself after the infamous Boko Haram leader due to his notoriety, had long terrorized communities in the area before meeting his end in this brutal showdown.