30th May, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Notorious Nigerian bandit kingpin, Kachalla Baleri, has been arrested in Niger Republic where he had been operating from after escaping from Nigeria.
Baleri was arrested by troops of Niger Republic’s Operation Faraoutar Bushiya on Tuesday at Rouga Kowa Gwani in the Guidan Roumdji commune in a move described as a “significant breakthrough,’ by the French country’s authorities.
Baleri who hails from Shinkafi has been terrorizing communities in Zamfara in Nigeria and Maradi regions of Niger from his new base, according to PR Nigeria.
He was said to be a close associate of the equally notorious Bello Turji who has been terrorizing the people of North West Nigeria.
Baleri was ranked the 40th most wanted person in Nigeria by the Nigerian army, with a price on his head.
Baleri who has been linked to abductions and large-scale killings in the Northwest had some weeks ago released a video clip where he displayed bundles of naira notes suspected to be money collected as ransom from kidnapping activities of his group.
He had boasted in the video that he had N10 million to buy new weapons.
However, Colonel Mohamed Almoctar Seydou Niandou, Chief of the Tactical Staff of Operation Faraoutar Bushiya said Baleri’s infamous reign was brought to an end on Tuesday with his arrest at around 1 pm while meeting with his men to plan attacks in Nigeria and Niger.
“The Governor of the region, CGP Issoufou Mamane, and the Prosecutor of the Republic, Adamou Abdou Adam, commended the professionalism and commitment of the troops deployed on the ground during a presentation ceremony for the criminals.
“They said the arrest marks a significant achievement in the fight against banditry and terrorism in the region,” the statement indicated.
